Memorial Day. This day is devoted to remembering the fallen who gave the ultimate sacrifice. We salute our heroes and say our thanks to veterans when we see them, but this day is different. It is meant as a moment of silence for those we cannot thank. It is a day to remember. A day to reflect.

Memorial Day is more than a day off of work or school. It is vital we memorialize those no longer here and show their families that we care and recognize the sacrifice made by their loved one. The soldiers no longer here with us fought and died for this great country. They gave their lives to this nation. Every time you see a flag and every time you hear "Taps", they are the symbols of those who took their last breath in a final attempt to protect the United States. The fallen are remembered in various ways. In Boston, flags are posted in the Common - one for each Massachusetts soldier lost in battle since the Revolutionary War. Over 37,000 flags are planted. Over 37,000 from just one state. Imagine that number across the country. In no way can we repay the fallen and in no way can we fulfill the void of the families. The best we can do is carry-out our American, civic duty. We remember. We memorialize. We respect. Understand and teach that Memorial Day stands for something much more than a Monday off and a barbecue. Memorial Day is dedicated to the heroes who died for our freedom. If not for the selfless men and women in uniform who fight every day to preserve the United States of America, there would be no America. Do not take your rights for granted. Never hesitate to recognize a soldier. Remember those who fought to get us here and those continuing that fight today.

Freedom is not free.