On Monday, our nation will once more take time to reflect on those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

While we don't wish to dampen anyone's barbeque or first summer sale, we do want you to remember that there are men and women who died so that you could do just what you'll be doing on Memorial Day.

This is a holiday that should never be about how fast you can get to the beach or how much booze you can partake of in a three day weekend or how much food you can eat.

It is a day to remember sacrifice and that there were people who believed in something greater than themselves and they died for it.

It is in their name that we have this holiday.

Somewhere along the way, we lost the idea behind it.

Last year, the Lions Club dedicated the beautiful World War II monument at City Hall.

Have you taken the time to stop and read the names?

We imagine those who had family in World War II have and there have been a few instances where tears were shed.

This Monday, take some time and go to the monument and read the names.

Read them aloud and say them with pride.

For surely God will bless these fallen heroes and the loved ones who are still here.

For those who are traveling this weekend, we strongly urge each and everyone to be extremely cautious this weekend. Law enforcement officials throughout Alabama will be patrolling in greater numbers, Click it or Ticket campaigns are underway, and AAA expects record numbers of tourists to be hitting the roads.

The best advice we can offer is to simply take the time to drive a little slower to your destination and by all means, do not drink and drive.

Memorial Day is for honoring heroes, not for remembering those who just could not follow the law about drinking and driving.

Be safe.