Memorial is commonly thought of as a day for barbecues and whites sales at Macy’s. It’s a day off from work, and the start of the summer season. Public Pools usually open up on this weekend, and people take their families to the beach.

But it is important that each of us take just one moment today to think about those who are not with us, because they surrendered their life, that we may have our freedom. If you have kids, you should take a few moments to discuss the meaning of the Memorial Day holiday with them, and explain why they should be thankful that so many were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, so others would not.

The United States has seen more than it’s fair share of wars and battles, and each one of those has had it’s heroes, and those are the men and women who we proudly remember  and honor on this day, the ones who never came home. People like my friend, Tobias Meister, who gave his life in Afghanistan. He was a Civil Affairs soldier, and lost his life on a Humanitarian mission, what could be more selfless?

First Sergeant Tobias Meister, United States Army

First Sergeant Meister was a kind and fun loving man, a devoted husband, and a new father to a beautiful baby boy when he lost his life. Though he was remarkably young, he had rocketed through the ranks to become a First Sergeant (E-8), and he was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure to know and to work with him. It is on this day, that we give thanks to him, and all those before and since who have made the ultimate sacrifice, on our behalf.

All gave some, some gave ALL