Today is  Memorial Day, May 28, 2018. Most people will be celebrating the three-day weekend to start the summer season. Some may spend time with family and friends enjoying nice weather outside, recreating, and having a BBQ.  Some may attend a Memorial Day event or concert, decorate with flags, or share a meal with friends/family to show their gratitude.

Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance for everyone who has died serving in the American armed forces. The holiday, originally known as Decoration Day, started after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate dead. (from the site History.com)

Yesterday my mom’s sister, Lorraine (Lark) Frederick passed away:(((  Her husband, John W. Frederick Jr, gave his life for his country.  He died many years ago while a POW in Vietnam.  He never made it home to be with his wife and four children. John Frederick is one of the heroes we honor on this day.

This photo was taken at the 2016 Unsicker Family Reunion in Tremont Illinois.  My mom Edie Albright (in green), passed away on 2/25/17, and her sister Lark Frederick (in red) passed away yesterday, 5/27/18. They were only two years apart in age and very close growing up on their farm. It is ironic to me that my Aunt Lark passed away on Memorial Day weekend, that special time we honor her husband who gave the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. She was such a special woman who was admired and loved by her large extended family.