I graduated from high school in 2001. It was the calm before the storm and a lucrative and seemingly safe time to join the military, at least it appeared that way to me back then.

Operation Desert Storm had been in the rear view mirror for kids my age and was widely considered a successful and brief military operation, or at least that was how it was billed to teens in those days.

The Cold War was over, but not because of Rocky’s bout with Drago, despite what my generation believed.

Being born after the Vietnam War had ended, we hadn’t known much about the impact of wars other than what we read in history books.

The military had grand appeal as an honorable and worthy post-graduation option.

It offered job skills, self-discipline and distinction. It provided a jump-start to your future and gave some much needed assistance paying for college tuition.

I, for a time, had considered joining the Marines and had also met with recruiters from the Army. Ultimately, I chose a different path, but many of my classmates didn’t.

In 2001, my friends and I weren’t thinking about “armed conflicts” and “boots on the ground,” but man, were we in for a surprise later that September.

I remember that feeling in my stomach when the newscasters said military forces would soon be deployed to Iraq.

That meant several people I loved were going to be in real and imminent danger.

War and all the scary things that come with it became much more real to me.

Fortunately, I still get to honor my loved ones’ service on Veterans Day, rather than Memorial Day. But knowing the losses they incurred in the war, I still think of them anyway.

I know they lost people that I never met, who they still think about every day.

It’s for those we lost in that war, and every other military conflict before and after, that we celebrate Memorial Day.

Yes, it’s more than the unofficial start of the summer, though I fear that’s what it’s been relegated to for many Americans these days.

While the barbecues are nice and the parades are fun, it’s important to remember what it is we are honoring. Veterans Day honors all veterans. Memorial Day honors those veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Regardless of your thoughts on war, politics, military, government or foreign policy, each and every person who gave their life for their country deserves to be remembered.

Those soldiers who died while serving in the United States armed forces left holes in their families and communities that can’t be filled.

If you know someone who lost a friend, husband, wife, child or extended family member, reach out and tell them you’re thinking of them and the sacrifice their loved one made.

It’s not an easy day for them.

For those veterans and their loved ones out there who are hurting on Memorial Day, remember that those you lost would want you to carry on.

Your very existence honors their sacrifice.

If you need help, there are resources available at https://stlawco.org/Departments/Veterans

So on Monday, May 29, I encourage everyone who can, to attend one of the many Memorial Day events. I sincerely hope you enjoy the day, I know that those who gave their lives for us would want that as well.