Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a U.S. day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Too many of us, however, think of Memorial Day as just another holiday from work and school -- a day for picnics, baseball games and barbeques -- instead of a day for actively remembering our ancestors, family members, loved ones, neighbors and friends who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy a good barbecue with family and friends, but make sure to leave some time to remember the "memorial" in Memorial Day and honor our nation's fallen heroes:

• visit a cemetery and place flags or flowers on the graves of soldiers, especially those whose final resting place appears neglected and forgotten.

• visit one of the country's many military memorials, from one of the national memorials in Washington D.C., to your small hometown veteran's memorial.

• fly the U.S. flag

• attend a parade or other Memorial Day observance near you. Check your local paper, or call the closest military base, American Legion, or Veterans of Foreign Wars post to find out what local observance's are planned.

• Say thank you to those who served and lived to tell their story by taking some flowers or cookies to a nearby veterans' hospital.

• Make a pledge to volunteer with or make a tax-deductible donation to a Veteran's group such as Disabled American Veterans or Vietnam Veterans of America, or The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a non-profit organization that provides grief counseling and outreach services to families, friends and military service members who have been affected by a death in the armed services.

If you don't have time to get to a cemetery or memorial in person, you can still observe the spirit of Memorial Day by taking a few minutes to visit a Web site that pays tribute to the many veterans who have fought and died for our country. Learn more about the origins and history of Memorial Day, make a stop at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, or visit one of the several U.S. war memorials online, including the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the WWII memorial.

Have you ever wondered if you have an ancestor who fought and/or died in service of the United States? Since nearly every generation of Americans has known war, it's more likely than you might expect. Find out for yourself by learning how to locate evidence of your ancestor's military service and how to trace the U.S. military ancestors in your family tree.

My plans for the day? Adding both of my grandfathers to the national WWII Registry of remembrance. And taking the time to remember that freedom isn't free.