Have fun and remember them

What started out as Decoration Day has evolved into Memorial Day, a solemn yet joyous arrival on the calendar tomorrow.

It's solemn because, going back to Civil War times, we associate the holiday with recognition of those who died serving our great nation.

It's joyous because it is the unofficial start of summer.

Then: Gen. John Logan, national Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed the first Memorial Day on May 5, 1868. It was observed 25 days later in Arlington National Cemetery, where people placed flowers on the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers.

Now: While Mother Nature has been a bit stubborn in letting loose the reins of hot, sunny days, this weekend offers the perfect excuse to take a hike in the hills with the kids, fire up the barbecue grill, and take some solace that at least we North Idahoans aren't having to shake off the vestiges of a long, brutal winter. We can be thankful for that, but most of all, we should be thankful and respectful to those whose memories are being honored.

In the midst of the fun and family time, we urge you to set aside some sacred time tomorrow. Consider visiting the gravesite of a loved one who served our country. For that matter, leave a flower for a veteran you never knew.

At 3 p.m. Monday, we ask you to observe The National Moment of Remembrance, a federal resolution passed in December 2000. According to the resolution, all Americans are asked "to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to taps."

Then get back to having fun and enjoying life in beautiful North Idaho. After all, it was this quality of life that many of our veterans fought and died for.