“Decoration Day” is a federal holiday meant to specifically honor the fallen who served their country http://www.usmemorialday.org/?page_id=2 At 3 p.m. local time on Monday, we are asked to join in a moment of silence as we listen to the haunting “Taps” to salute the departed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WChTqYlDjtI

The poppy is the official flower of Memorial Day, but the forget-me-nots so profusely carpeting my region of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula seem equally fitting as I expand this time of remembrance to bless and bow to all of my ancestors, friends and other souls who changed this world for the better before they moved on to the next realm. I can say “Happy Memorial Day” with authentic joy for the warriors in all aspects of my life who fought for me, supported me, and who served me and the general good of humankind. Thank you for your gifts. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for your lives. May you be free of pain and suffering. May you be well and happy. May you feel the love surrounding you. And so it is.