Take time on Memorial Day to remember the contributions of the military men and women who served our country.
How hard is that?
While reading Memorial Day commentaries, we were struck by the following quote from Dale McFeatters, a Scripps Howard News Service editorial writer.
"Memorial Day asks little of us." he wrote. "Lay some flowers on a military grave. You need not know who's in it, only that the person was called and served. And at 3 p.m. local time Monday, observe a minute of silence by way of remembrance."
You certainly may do more to acknowledge and honor military members. Attendance at local Memorial Day events is encouraged and appreciated.
A Memorial Day program sponsored by the Jefferson City Veterans Council will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the National Cemetery, on the Miller Street side. The featured speaker will be Jeremy Amick, and the program will include a two bell ceremony to honor and remember those veterans who've died in the past year.
And a Memorial Day concert will be held at 3 p.m. Monday in the Capitol Rotunda. "A Salute to Fallen Heroes and Living Veterans" will be performed by Monticello, the Mid-Missouri men's chorus.
The common denominator among Memorial Day events is taking time to remember.
Since its origins in 1865 as Decoration Day - a time to decorate the graves of Civil War soldiers - the holiday has taken on added connotation and associations.
Memorial Day is the traditional start of the summer vacation season and marks the opening of beaches, including those at state parks, and municipal swimming pools.
The holiday also serves as a time to enjoy parades, concerts and barbecues.
And, the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend serves as the date for one of our country's premier sporting events - the Indianapolis 500.
Many people will participate in a number of activities during the three-day holiday weekend.
And, no one begrudges them the opportunity for relaxation, recreation and enjoying time with friends and family.
All that is asked is that we take time - in measures large or small - to remember.
That is least we can do.