This is the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend, the time we all take to honor those who have given their lives for our nation.

It is so easy to get caught up in the negative, often anti-American press messages of the past 35+ years, press written and espoused by a media that is either ridden with guilt over whatever or is mostly incoherent as to why our ancestors and a new generation fought and now fights. Perhaps they are simply ignorant of the pluses of the United States of America, our history and what we have done for the world.

It is my hope that each of you will take the time to thank a soldier, a soldier's family, or visit Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Bloomington. There is a memorial service beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 28. Gates will open at 7:30 AM. If you cannot attend the service, perhaps you can find some time this weekend to pay respects to those who have gone before us. Without their sacrifices, we would not have the freedoms we experience today. Without our current soldiers and veterans, we will not be able to pass on these freedoms to our children and grandchildren.