This Memorial Day, honor guards will snap to attention as flags ripple in the breeze. Amid the green lawns and bright flowers of cemeteries throughout the state, lone buglers and mournful pipers will evoke a heartfelt tear.

On Monday, we encourage all to shut off their smart phones and pause from barbecues and picnics and busy lives; take a moment to remember those that served in the military, who gave their lives for our nation, for our ideals and principles, and for our freedom and the freedom of others.

Each sacrifice should be appreciated every single day that we go about our daily lives — as we work, play, raise our families and build our communities. The U.S. men and women that fell in the Great War, in the Second World War, in Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East and elsewhere – whether stranger, relative or friend, whether immigrant or of ancient lineage on this continent, share a common heritage as Americans. And they are all our family.

On Memorial Day, we remember those that gave their all for our nation. But every other day of the year, let us not forget to honor and thank the military men and women that served at home and abroad in the past, and especially appreciate those men and women that are serving today.