Admittedly, one of the first reactions I have to Memorial Day is thankfulness for long weekend. Sometimes I partake in barbecuing and beers (most often as a guest, not a hostess). Other years — usually the rainy ones — I spend the extra day off from work on the couch, trying to be as unproductive as possible.

That being said, I have few military ties in my family. Although one immediate family member was drafted for the Vietnam War, but he ended up stationed in Alaska. So sometimes I momentarily forget that the real reason behind Memorial Day is not hamburgers and laziness. Many of you are like me in this way, so I urge you to read this article in today’s Sun.

I won’t reiterate it. But it helps to put a face with the names of the 77 Maryland service members who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. And let’s not forget the thousands of other causalities from these wars.

Let me say to all of our military, Marylanders and beyond, that we thank you for your service and sacrifices on our behalf — not just today but every day. To those who are deployed overseas (particularly those of you stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan), I hope to see you home safely very soon.

Peace and happy Memorial Day to you all.

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