Here in the upper Midwest, where it seems like summer is taking an extended detour on its way this year, we look forward to the long holiday weekend.  Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and we hope that the weather will finally be warm enough to plant our gardens. 

Many towns will celebrate the unofficial start of summer with a parade led by the local high school marching band.  I remember those days when my kids were in band, and the haunting melody of Taps that was played in early morning as we gathered at the old town cemetery before the start of the Memorial Day Parade.  Memorial Day is the most somber of American holidays as we pause to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service, those who as Abraham Lincoln so eloquently said,  “gave the last full measure of devotion” so that “government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” 

We reflect, we honor, and we celebrate those lives.  And we keep our fingers crossed that summer will come.  Happy Memorial Day!