My father served with the US Navy in Vietnam. My grandfathers fought in WWII and the Korean War. A great,great grandfather died fighting for France in WWI. There are Civil War veterans in my family tree too - too many who died fighting on both sides of that terrible conflict. Then there are the ancestors who fought in the War of 1812 and American Revolution. There are a lot of brave men to remember today...

As you celebrate Memorial Day today, don't let the original meaning of the holiday drift away with the barbeque smoke. Take some time to honor the memories of the soldiers and civilians in your family tree who gave their lives during wartime, and remember that freedom isn't free.