If you look around at your favorite stores you see how the managers have been busy. Planning for Holidays and special events seem to happen like clock work, but you can bet that they've been planning for this weekend for months.

Case and point, the beautiful flowers outside Hy-Vee at 47th and Louise in Sioux Falls.

Memorial Day, is a big weekend. Some people use it as a time marker to either wear white shoes or not wear white shoes. Some call it the unofficial start of summer (that won't happen till June). But to many, Memorial Day is a big thing. Maybe it's a day you don't really understand till you get older.

I remember just getting out of high school and working my first job. Memorial Day was for grilling, throwing a Frisbee and having a few beers with friends. You would hear of Memorial Day services going on. Moms and Dads were usually the ones going.

When you were younger, Memorial Day was just another day off work (unless you work in radio) and a shortened work week to return to. Now that I'm older, it's different.

This weekend we'll be traveling west. Some of the time will be setting our son Logan up for his first teaching job. But some of the time will be spent visiting cemeteries.

I know. When your younger, that sounds like kind of a weird thing to do. But put a few years on and you start losing family. Grandpas, grandmas, aunts and uncles and yes even parents. Growing up isn't all fun and games.

This weekend our family will be doing the same. Visiting the cemetery. We'll straighten things out, leave some flowers, tell some stories and most important, maybe, for just a moment feel a little closer to those no longer with us.

We used to have the debate in our house growing up. Memorial Day. Is it just for Veterans? I've been taught that Memorial Day is to remember ALL who have gone before us. All who helped make our world better. After all, without their guidance and helping hand, we wouldn't be where we are today.

So, while some will officially kick off summer, or start wearing white, know that many folks will be remembering and yes, maybe picking up some nice flowers for the weekend.

I know one thing I'll be thinking of a lot this weekend. One word.  Thanks.


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