Next Monday, we commemorate Memorial Day, continuing the tradition begun in 1868 to honor soldiers who perished in the Civil War.

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day as a federal holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday in May. For most Americans, it is a day off from work, a day for a cookout, or a reason for a sale.

More importantly, it is a day to honor those who dedicated themselves and sacrificed their lives in service to this country. It is a day to remember them and their memories, but also to acknowledge the principles which they fought to defend, the principles enumerated in our Constitution and upon which this nation was founded.

It is a day to reflect on the dedication of those who died not only in the service of our country, but in the service of countless other countries and peoples throughout the world.

In December, 2000, to remind Americans about the true meaning of Memorial Day, Congress passed the “National Moment of Remembrance” resolution. It asks all Americans, at 3 p.m. local time, “to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence…”

This Memorial Day, as part of your plans, please remember the reason for the holiday. Please take a moment to reflect on those who have died to protect our freedom and the God-given rights guaranteed by our Constitution. Considering what they did for us, it is the least we can do for them.