<a href="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/memorial-day-2014-small.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-4703" src="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/memorial-day-2014-small.jpg?w=111" alt="memorial-day-2014-small" width="111" height="150" /></a>I’m guessing you are doing or did one or more of these things…

• Spent time with family and friends munching on hot dogs and hamburgers

• Celebrated the unofficial beginning of summer by bringing out the white clothes and shoes

• Shopped or attended a sporting event

• Spent time at the beach, taking in the waves

Memorial Day weekend is for all of those things, but more.

<a href="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mem13.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-4704" src="http://judythewriter.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mem13.jpg?w=130" alt="mem13" width="130" height="150" /></a>Today is the federal holiday established so we could pause and remember fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and cousins who never came home.

If somehow you forgot the origins, you are not alone--too many of us do.

But it’s not too late to celebrate and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Today is not over and it is the official designated Memorial Day 2014.

I suggest two ways to honor those who have served:
<ol>
	<li>Read some of many poems written to honor relatives or friends who died serving their country by typing <em>Memorial Day 2014 Poems</em> in your search engine.</li>
	<li>Listen to this incredible tribute by Wisconsin Legionnaire William Berg, who played Taps for his post since before World War II. Mr. Berg passed away in July 2013 at the age of 94.</li>
</ol>
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XExJibP0TM?rel=0&amp;w=560&amp;h=315]

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One last word to all those who serve by going off or staying behind at home: my personal heartfelt thank you. I'm sincerely grateful to all of you.