For many Americans across our country, Memorial Day means a long weekend of barbequing, spending time with family and friends and celebrating the kick-off of the summer season.

It’s well-deserved for hardworking people to dedicate extra time to their loved ones and earn much needed rest and relaxation. But it is also important to remember that for others, Memorial Day is a far more somber day because of its true meaning, to honor the fallen who have died defending this nation. It’s a day of reflection. It’s a day to remember and honor the sacrifices of the 1.2 million American service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice since 1776.