This is Memorial Day weekend. To some it means picnics, or time to put the boat back in the water. For many it means partying. And of course, the swimming pool opens!

All of those events are fun and it is wonderful for families to be together, enjoying a weekend full of fun and food, but let us not forget the true reason for the holiday.

In this country we have set aside a day to honor those men and women who have died protecting our country. It is just one day out of 365, so please take a few moments this Memorial Day and thank these men and women who made it possible for us to live in a free America.

 I am well aware we are living in a country with great unrest and genuine concern about our future, but if we remember our roots, remember how this great country came to be, we will find the strength to return to those roots, and to uphold our Constitution.

Come Monday morning, I will make my drive to the National Cemetery in Leavenworth.

As I look across the gently rolling hills, with row after row of perfectly spaced snow white headstones, I will thank our military for protecting us;

I will cry when they play Taps,

I will smile as I stop to spend time with
Colonel Arch Tucker.

Arch, my late husband, was a true red, white and blue Fighter Pilot in the United States Air Force for 33 years. During the 10 years I was honored to be his wife, I learned about the patriotism, the strength, the dedication, and the loyalty that is at the core of our military. Arch, and every one of his Air Force buddies that I learned to call friends , believed it was an honor and duty to protect the

Flag and the Constitution of the United States of America.

Today, around the world, our military is serving our country with those same beliefs.

May God protect them.