On a normal Memorial Day weekend, I would be headed to Washington to ride in the annual Rolling Thunder Ride to the Wall but family issues will keep me in the area this year.

At some point over the three day weekend, I will climb aboard my Harley and ride over to Bedford to visit the D-Day Memorial and stand post to remember and honor those who serve their country.

With all the hoopla over yard sales, flea markets, the Indianapolis 600, the Coca Cola 600 and other events that mark the beginning of the Spring and Summer season, the real reasons behind Memorial Day can get lost.

Originally called Decoration Day to remember Union soldiers who died in the Civil War, Memorial Day was not celebrated in Virginia for many years because of lingering bad memorials of that war.  It became an official federal holiday in 1967 and one of several holidays celebrated on Mondays as part of the Uniform Holidays Act.

The day exists to honor those who serve our nation. Take time to remember them.