Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial kick off to summer. But please remember the true purpose of this holiday weekend.

Memorial Day is meant to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our Country.

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

As you enjoy your long weekend, take some time to give thanks for those who gave their lives so you have the freedom to bar-b-que, and enjoy time with your friends and family.

Please take extra time to say a prayer for the families of the soldiers that have given their lives for our freedom since last Memorial Day.

Gabriel D. Conde, Specialist, 22, U. S. Army, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division

Mihail Golin, Sergeant 1st Class, 34, U.S. Army, 2nd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

David Thomas Brabander, Staff Sergeant, 24, U. S. Army, 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division

Hughton O. Brown, Sergeant 1st Class, 43, U. S. Army, 306th Engineer Company, 411th Engineer Brigade

Stephen B. Cribben, Sergeant 1st Class, 33, U.S. Army, 2d Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group

Jacob M. Sims, Chief Warrant Officer, 36, U.S. Army, 4th Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment

Aaron R. Butler, Staff Sergeant, 27, U. S. Army, 9th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

Christopher Michael Harris, Specialist, 25, U. S. Army, 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

Jonathon Michael Hunter, Sergeant, 23, U. S. Army, 2nd Battalion, 504th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

Hansen B. Kirkpatrick, Private 1st Class, 19, U. S. Army, 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

Eric M. Houck, Sergeant, 25, U. S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Company D, 1st Battalion

William M. Bays, Sergeant, 29, U.S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Company D, 1st Battalion

Dillon C. Baldridge, Corporal, 22, U. S. Army, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Company D, 1st Battalion

All of us at Webb Weekly are thankful for those who have served, are currently serving, and those who have given their lives for our country.