Today is certainly a great day to kick off the summer season, and people in this area know how to do it up right.
But before you hit the Susquehanna River, Bald Eagle State Park, fire up the grill or do whatever other leisurely activity you have planned, we urge you to spend a few minutes with some heroes and/or loved ones.
It won't take long, just a short drive to one of the many Memorial Day ceremonies in the area, especially the special parades in Beech Creek and Sugar Valley.
There you'll find the heroes who served - some who risked their lives in battles - so we can enjoy these great holidays and our freedoms.
They'll be the men and women with their armed service caps on; maybe their uniforms, too.
They'll be a mix of ages, from the last of the great World War II veterans to those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and every bloody war in between. Or who carried out any of the other assignments needed to protect our country around the world.
To honor them, we'll gather at cemeteries, town halls and post lodges in communities large and small. We'll hear stirring speeches from those who have experienced duty here and abroad, and those who appreciate their sacrifices.
Memorial Day is also a time to reflect on family - how fortunate we are to enjoy those around us and to remember those who came before us and have passed on.
So make your Memorial Day more than a day off, a big party day. Take a few moments, gather your family and attend a ceremony, reflect on those who have helped shape the life we enjoy today and maybe even shake the hand of a real-life hero - a past or present member of our armed services.
We are fortunate indeed to live in freedom and have such holidays to enjoy as we please. We hope you'll pay tribute to those who helped make it possible through their sacrifice.
