Memorial Day is meant to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in 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 the 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 to those who gave their lives, so you have the freedom to BBQ 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.

Since Memorial Day is often considered the unofficial kick-off to summer, we have a summer giveaway for you! We are once again doing our Great American Cookout giveaway! We have a grill courtesy of Elery Nau Hardware and gift cards to Rupert’s Specialty Meats and Frosty Beverage! That’s everything you need to start the summer grilling season out right! The entry form is right below, just fill it out and mail it in, or drop it off at our office! We need to have your entry by June 18th, and the winner will be announced in the June 30th edition so the winner can enjoy their prize over the 4th of July weekend!

We are also using this kick-off to summer to bring you our Summer Fun and Savings Special Section! We have over ten pages of summer fun for you! Be sure to check out that section on pages 46-57!

One last thing. We all know that a lot of the COVID-related restrictions are lifting on Monday. This is great news for many local businesses, so please be sure to patronize all the local places that have been struggling for the last year and change. It certainly hasn’t been easy for them, but hopefully, this will be light at the end of the tunnel for them. But also remember to continue to be safe. I know it sucks, but if you aren’t fully vaccinated, please make sure you are still wearing a mask, and regardless of your vaccination status, continue to keep your distance from strangers. But go out, enjoy a nice day with friends and family! I know that local establishments will certainly appreciate it!
Remember:

Local businesses are more likely to utilize other local businesses such as banks, service providers, and farms.

For every $100 you spend at local businesses, $68 will stay in the community.

Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales to the community in which they operate than chain competitors. Independent restaurants return more than two times as much money per dollar of sales than national restaurant chains.

Small businesses employ 77 million Americans and account for 65% of all new jobs over the past 17 years.

In addition to helping build the local economy, there are also notable intangible benefits that come from supporting businesses in your local community.

Local businesses are owned and operated by your neighbors! They care about and are invested in the well-being of your community and its future.

Local businesses are more accountable to their local communities and donate more money to non-profits.

Supporting local businesses is good for the environment because they often have a smaller carbon footprint than larger companies.