Dear Parish Family:

For many people, Memorial Day is a three-day holiday weekend that marks the beginning of the end of the school year and graduation. For those who like to garden, it is the weekend when all crops should be in the ground awaiting the summer sun. And to others, it is the weekend when we decorate the graves of loved ones.

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day, with both Southerners and Northerners honoring those who died in the Civil War. After World War II it became a day to honor all those in the military who died fighting to protect our nation.

For me personally, Memorial Day is full of memories and emotion. I remember attending Memorial Day parades with my Uncle, Col. Angelo Pilla who during his highly decorated military career experienced things that many of us will never experience. I remember my uncle even in his older years standing at attention as younger soldiers marched by and quietly saluting them showing them his gratitude and respect for their service. Every year, I try to attend a Memorial Day parade to show my gratitude and respect for those who serve our country.

So, this weekend, enjoy your barbecues and celebrate the beginning of summer. But also take a moment to honor those who died fighting for our country.

Visit a cemetery.
Say a prayer.
Light a candle.
Attend a parade.
Tell a story.
Remember.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend,
Pam