While many in the area will be celebrating today as the “official” start to the summer, others are spending today, and the past weekend, observing Memorial Day for why it was designated — to honor the memory of those who have given up their lives for us.

Saturday, folks gathered in Rockford, and Sunday, citizens came together in Westfield. Today, a service is being held in the city of Mount Airy.

It is OK if some feel the desire and need to spend time at the pools that opened for the first time this summer season, but we also want to encourage everyone to take a few minutes out of their weekend, even if it is silently on your own, to remember those who have died sacrificing for us — whether it be military veterans, firefighters, law enforcement officers, or other emergency personnel.

In addition to remembering those who already have made the ultimate sacrifice, it is a time to say thank you to those who are veterans of any of those fields or who are serving active time in one of those life-saving fields.

These are the men and women who make it safe for us to be able to go swimming whenever we want, or to drive down the street without worrying about who could be attacking us next, or to help save our lives if a tragedy like a fire or wreck or other accident may occur.

So please today, remember those who served with honor and gave their lives, and thank those who still are protecting us abroad and on the homefront.