This Memorial Day Weekend, up to 500,000 people from far and wide are expected to travel to Lake of the Ozarks for a few days of boating, fishing, barbequing, supporting local businesses and visiting with loved ones. For many, this weekend marks the unofficial start to summer and an opportunity to kick it off with a weekend of warm weather fun. I certainly look forward to spending time with my family as well, but it is so important that we remember what Memorial Day is truly about: honoring fallen members of our military who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Freedom is a luxury we should never take for granted, nor should we ever forget those who have afforded it to us. America’s men and women in uniform protect us all year long, but Memorial Day is a perfect moment to pause and reflect on how truly fortunate we are because of them.

Serving in the military means signing up for a job that requires them to live in dangerous places for months or even years at a time. They leave their friends and families behind, missing everything from births of babies to graduations and everything in between so we stay safe here at home. It is the single most difficult job there is and one of the few jobs – along with police officers and few others – in which you wake up knowing today may be your last. Sadly, too many Americans spent their last day on earth in a uniform, but their sacrifice and their families’ sacrifice will forever be appreciated and honored.   

And while Memorial Day is a day to honor the fallen, it is also a great opportunity to thank America’s veterans. Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries across the globe call Missouri home, and we are infinitely proud of their service. Almost every veteran lost a friend or fellow soldier in service to America.  And in many cases, a little luck and the grace of God are the only things that kept current veterans from being one of the celebrated on Monday – something they live with every day.  When you see a veteran this weekend, a simple “thank you” goes a long way and lets them know their service and sacrifice never goes unnoticed.

As the saying goes, freedom doesn’t come free, and nobody knows that better than the members of our military and their families. Gold Star Families suffer the worst consequences of service and sadly will never be able to see the mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sons and daughters who have laid down their lives for this country. This Memorial Day, take a moment to honor America’s heroes, both past and present. Whether you put out extra flags in your yard, attend the American Legion’s parade in Union, or simply reflect with your loved ones about how truly fortunate we are to live in this country because of America’s servicemembers, it’s important that we remember what this day is truly about: honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country so that we and our children can continue to live in freedom.