Next weekend we celebrate one of my favorite holidays – Memorial Day. Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but Memorial Day means more to me than just a holiday and a long weekend. It gives me a chance to reflect on the men and women who gave their lives for the freedoms we all enjoy.

As we remember them, let us not forget all those now serving in the military, protecting our free country.

On Friday, May 25, 2012, the public is invited to attend Get High on Life’s 14th annual Memorial Day Breakfast. The ceremony will begin at 8 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Home, 346 Fir St., in LaPlace.

Last year, more than 200 people attended and enjoyed the patriotic music, songs, brief testimonies and a great meal.

I am old enough to remember World War II. After the war, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board published a book titled “St. John Heroes.” The dedication read, and I quote, “In grateful remembrance to those valiant sons of the Parish of St. John the Baptist who gave their lives to the cause of freedom.”

Recorded in this book are awards received by the St. John the Baptist Parish men while serving in World War II. The Legion of Honor was awarded to two St. John veterans. Four young men received the Silver Star (second only to the Medal of Honor). Seventeen men were awarded the Bronze Star. Twenty-seven received the Purple Heart. (This award is given when someone is wounded in battle.) The Presidential Unit Citation was given to 18 of our young men.

Thirty-one young men from St. John the Baptist Parish were killed during the war. Of these 31 men, six were in the Navy, three in the Marines, 16 in the Army, five in the Air Force, and one was in the Coast Guard.

Many more men and women have served our country since World War II, some paying the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

Let’s not forget the reason for Memorial Day. Yes, it’s a celebration, but should we celebrate, more than remember, the real heroes who are responsible for our freedom?

On Friday, May 25, let’s show our gratitude by gathering together and honoring the men and women who unselfishly served our country.

May God continue to bless America!

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.