May 22, 2012 — Memorial Day always brings family outings to the lake or the woods, barbecues, the Indianapolis 500, billed as the greatest spectacle in racing, and a three-day federal holiday weekend for most citizens.

But those fun-filled, lighthearted and exciting events are not the reason for the holiday celebrated across the nation next Monday, May 28.

Memorial Day is actually much more somber as we recognize the ultimate sacrifice of every soldier who died defending the United States in every war the country has ever fought.

All across our great land, American flags will decorate the graves of veterans, and many citizens will remember the contribution made by those who gave everything to preserve and protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

Veterans’ organizations will hold Memorial Day ceremonies at many cemeteries, including those in Susanville.

We encourage you to take a few minutes to attend one of these ceremonies and get a fuller experience and understanding of the holiday’s true meaning.

Generally, the ceremonies are brief but moving and some even include a 21-gun salute — the highest honor the nation can render to its fallen warfighters.

Attending such an event will leave you feeling patriotic and still give you time to spend the rest of the day involved in more festive pursuits.

Local celebrations include the placement of flags on veteran gravesites at 6 a.m. at Diamond Crest Cemetery, a memorial service and a 21-gun salute at 8 a.m. at the Old Pioneer Cemetery in Susanville, the posting of flags on veterans’ gravesites at 9 a.m. at the Lassen Cemetery in Susanville and an 11 a.m. ceremony at Diamond Crest cemetery.

For more information on Memorial Day events, call the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2381 at 251-8192.

Enjoy yourselves on this holiday weekend, but don’t forget Memorial Day is the day we remember those who lost their lives defending our precious American way of life.