Before you light that grill, before you load the camper, before you head out for that party, read the words that follow.

And remember this weekend is about the ultimate sacrifice made by so many of our military men and women to keep us safe, to keep us free.

In Flanders Fields

By John McCrae

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

By all means, enjoy the holiday weekend. But never forget why Memorial Day exists.

— The Marquette

Mining Journal