As Memorial Day weekend is upon us, we hope you join us in taking time to recognize the significance of this national holiday. It’s important to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day, which is to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country. We all owe a tremendous debt to those who served and gave their life to ensure our nation and our freedoms are protected.

The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual event that asks Americans, wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, to pause for a duration of one minute to remember those who have died in military service to the United States.

Whether you’re watching a parade, spending quality time with family or friends, visiting a veterans’ cemetery to lay flowers, or simply wearing red, white and blue, there are lots of ways to reflect on the day’s significance. If you live near Bloomington, the VFW Post 604 and Valhalla Memory Garden Graveyard are set to hold their annual Memorial Day Celebration Ceremony on Monday, May 27. In South Bend on Monday, the 98th South Bend Westside Memorial Day Parade is returning to Ford Street this year at 8:15 a.m., or spend the entire weekend at the French Lick Resort with events happening from Friday to Monday including live music, a cookout and the pool party.

Hoosiers, please join us in remembering our fallen service members and families who have suffered the loss of a loved one this Memorial Day weekend.