With Election Day just behind us and Memorial Day approaching, we want to pause and thank all of those who served in our armed forces to ensure that we would have an Election Day.

        Less than one month ago, the Upper Perkiomen School District was three candidates short of a full slate for five open director positions.  Over the past few weeks, several people stepped up to run for the position as write-in candidates, and on Tuesday several more were campaigning to have their name considered as well.

It was a call to serve and it was answered.  Most important is that the voters decided on Tuesday, and they will decide again in November.

We can do this in the United States of America because of those who fought to keep our values and our freedoms.  Our forefathers promised us certain freedoms in the Constitution.  Since then, many have served, and too many have died, keeping their promise.  

        It is sad that, once again, less than 80 percent of voters bothered to cast a ballot.

        Sunday, we will remember those who served and those who died.  Remember to fly your flag on Memorial Day in honor of them.

        Once known as Decoration Day, it commemorated U.S. servicemen who died in the military service.  Originally enacted to honor Union soldiers of the Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor those who died in all wars. 

        To "celebrate" Memorial Day means to remember all who fought, those who died, those who served and those still serving in defense of this great nation.

        President Benjamin Harrison once said, "I have never been able to think of the day as one of mourning; I have never quite been able to feel that half-masted flags were appropriate on Decoration Day. I have rather felt that the flag should be at the peak, because those whose dying we commemorate rejoiced in seeing it where their valor placed it. We honor them in a joyous, thankful, triumphant commemoration of what they did."

        Make this weekend a special one.  Watch one of the local parades, visit a local service member's memorial and read the words on it.  Perhaps you can take you family to visit the grave of an ancestor who served in the armed forces and tell them about him or her.

        Make sure you remember to bow your head and pray for those who fought and those who died to give you the freedom you have.

        Thank a military veteran for their service.  Pray for those who serve in harm's way today, that they may return safely to their loved ones.

        Of those who died, President James Garfield said, "For love of country they accepted death."

        Always remember freedom isn't free.