Do you have a BBQ up and running today? Oh good. Tasty treats are bound to be served. Today I wanted to share a very heart felt Happy Memorial Day with all of you. So whilst you’re grilling, please take some time to remember the reason behind our holiday – the men and woman who have served our country so gallantly, so bravely, and so selflessly.

The injuries incurred are more than scars, but missing limbs, minds tragically altered and memories that can resurrect themselves plain as day of the most horrible situations imaginable. These soldiers, nee our heroes, need a hearty thank you. Or better yet a hug or a handshake. Make sure you tell them. Take those few seconds to say those thanks out loud. Thinking a “thank you” and saying it out loud are two totally different things, and verbalizing it can strike to the core of ones’ soul.

Let them know that their sacrifices great and small have been valued – and we are, as a nation, eternally grateful.

Below are a few of my favorite photos taken a couple of years ago at Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider and at the Vietnam Memorial. The grounds were so haunting, so hallowed, and so rich with the sacrifice of those who left and came home altered all in the name of our freedom and the freedom of those around the world.

Thank you to all who are serving and have served. We are ever so grateful.