I am an ex-U.S. Army soldier myself, so I have a special appreciation for those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so that I could have the freedom and the opportunity to sit here, safe and secure in my home, writing this tribute to them.

As we all go about our activities this holiday weekend, hitting pools, ponds, beaches and barbeque’s, don’t forget to remember that while you’re out partying like a rock star, there are soldiers who never came home, children without one of their parents, and family members who will never again see their son, daughter, brother, or sister.

It’s not about being down and depressed about it, it’s about celebrating the freedom that we have, showing gratitude for those who made it possible, and never taking it all for granted.

As you tip a glass this weekend, and officially kick off your summer, give a moment of remembrance to those who made it possible, and then make the rest of the party – and the rest of your life – something that was worthy of their sacrifice.

Much gratitude to Domestic Divapalooza for gathering a list of Memorial Day tribute blog posts!