This Memorial Day three-day weekend – before you realize it is Tuesday morning and you have to go back to work – set aside a little time to visit your local cemetery and pay your respects to the men and women who have helped you enjoy this holiday.

Sometime between the parades, the barbecue and the boating, take a little time with your family to say thanks to those who have gone before you.

When you pull into the cemetery at Hartley, Lower Lake, Middletown, Upper Lake or Kelseyville and see all the flags flying, remember that this holiday weekend is because of someone’s sacrifice.

That sacrifice wasn’t just for a three-day weekend but for endless days of freedom.

They have done their job and yours is just to say thanks.

Kirk Macdonald lives in Lakeport.