Each year, the Memorial Day weekend is thought of as the beginning of summer with barbecues, family gatherings and shopping sprees. But, Memorial Day signifies something much more important. It is a day in which to remember all of those who have died defending freedom in our nation's military conflicts.

The freedoms citizens of our nation enjoy came as a result of the sacrifices service men and women have made to our country. Although we cannot repay them or allow them to live once again in the company of their loved ones from whom they were taken away for the benefit of all, we can recognize and remember them.

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. The traditionally Mineola Memorial Day Parade will take place once again this year on Monday, May 26.

The parade, sponsored by the Mineola Memorial Post #349 of the American Legion and the Private Adolph Block Post #1305 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, will begin to assemble at 11 a.m. at Wilson Park. The parade is scheduled to leave at noon.

Parade chairman Sal Cataldo, commander of the American Legion Post #349, is inviting all Mineola residents, organizations and friends to join in the parade to pay respect to those who have fought valiantly through our history and to those who continue the tradition of bravery in our latest military conflict.

Commander Cataldo reminds residents and organizations that you can join in the parade at any time. All are welcome.

The parade will conclude at Mineola's Memorial Park, where a ceremony will take place at the veteran's monument.

Support Our Troops on American Legion Web Site.

On the American Legion's web site, www.legion.org, there is a "Support Our Troops" link on the right side of the page for information on how to help U.S. service members and their families.