Did you know that May is National Barbecue Month? Me neither, until a few days ago. So it seems that a Vmeals post on the virtues of barbeque would be appropriate – especially in light of the long holiday weekend.

I can’t do it though.

In spite of abundant evidence to the contrary, Memorial Day is not a federal holiday to celebrate picnics or boost mattress sales. Memorial Day evolved from a holiday known as Decoration Day. Decoration Day was observed by a few communities following the Civil War to give thanks for the war’s end and honor the dead. Memorial Day, as we know it now, wasn’t an official federal holiday until 1971.

I find it striking that it took 100 years and 2 world wars (not to mention a number of others in between) to arrive at a national holiday to honor the memory those we lost in war. So I really hate to reduce our observance to time off, cook-outs, blow-out sales and the Indy 500. Go ahead and enjoy all of those things, but don’t forget how and why you can. Take a moment to remember those who have sacrificed their lives, and be sure to thank someone who has served or continues to serve to protect your unique rights and freedom as an American.