This Monday is Memorial Day and while it is usually celebrated each year as the unofficial start to summer, especially for students, we shouldn’t forget the holiday’s true meaning, remembering our fallen servicemen and women.

While Memorial Day is a great reason to get together with family and friends and enjoy the day off from work and school, we shouldn’t forget the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to allow us the freedoms we’re allotted.

We are a country built on the fight for freedom.

Our citizenship allows us freedom of religion, speech, to bear arms and vote.

These rights were not without sacrifice; without the men and women in the military we wouldn’t continue to have these rights.

The observance of recognizing our fallen heroes began in 1868 by establishing the tradition of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers.

In the last few decades, a moment of silence for the fallen service men and women has become overshadowed by pool parties, barbeques and summer fun.

The family members and friends of fallen service members may still observe the true meaning of the holiday, but it should be observed by everyone.

Even if you know a veteran who survived a war or conflict, say a prayer in blessing that the special veteran in your life came home. There are millions who never did.

Don’t forget the National Moment of Remembrance is 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day. It is a time when everyone in the United States should stop and observe a moment of silence for those who have passed.

We urge everyone in Pearl River County to stop on Monday at 3 p.m. and take a moment to remember these heroes. We wouldn’t have the holiday, our freedoms or this country without their hard work.