This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day, one of my favorite holidays. It’s a day Americans set aside to remember those whom most people have forgotten.

What actually is Memorial Day? To many people, it’s just another holiday — a three-day weekend — a time to celebrate!

Should we celebrate more than remember?

No, that’s not why Memorial Day was established.

On that day, we are to commemorate the people who died in all the different wars — who unselfishly gave their lives to protect our freedom. The Bible says that no greater love has a man that he would lay down his life for his brother.

Many men and women have served in different branches of the military. Some returned as heroes. Others returned unnoticed and were never given credit for their service.

Let’s never get so wrapped up in our special interests that we neglect to celebrate Memorial Day.

I’m old enough to remember the Second World War. My dad had four brothers who served in the military. They all saw action, two in Europe and two in the Pacific.

One was killed in Europe, giving his life that we might have freedom. The three others returned home, got married and raised a family. They seldom talked about their experiences while serving our country.

Memorial Day is a day when many people feel patriotic. I wish we could feel like that every day of our lives.

I would like to encourage everyone to thank the men and women serving in the military and let them know how we appreciate their unselfish service, especially the veterans.

Maybe I’m old fashioned, but I don’t apologize for being patriotic. When the National Anthem is played, I stand at attention with my right hand over my heart.

The singing of “America the Beautiful” brings tears to my eyes.

I pray that my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren never forget the price that was paid for our freedom. When reminded of that, it’s easy to realize that freedom is not free.

May God have mercy and bless America.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.