Memorial Day is seen as the unofficial start of summer. There are barbecues and parties happening everywhere. Some may even attend memorials and cemeteries to remember all of those in the Armed Forces who have given their lives for us. Although there are different versions of how Memorial Day began, one story goes that the grieving families of the Civil War decorated the graves of their lost soldiers with flowers and wreaths. We continue this tradition on the last Monday in May, when all the flowers are in bloom. The service members that we honor today came from all walks of life, but they all possessed the pride, determination, selflessness, dedication, and courage to give this great country all they had to give. Whatever your plans are for the long weekend, remember to take the time to honor and remember all of the fallen heroes that have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. God bless our troops and God bless America.