Every year on the final Monday in May, Americans celebrate the federal holiday known as Memorial Day. While to some this day simply means lounging on the beach and forgetting about the last few weeks of school, for others this day has a truly special meaning. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. However, Memorial Day should not be confused with Veterans Day, a completely separate holiday that celebrates the service of all United States military veterans.

In addition to commemorating the lives lost in war, Memorial Day is also famous for marking the start of summer vacation for most Southern states.

So next year as you are sitting on the beach and relaxing after a tough year in school, please remember that this day has a truly valuable meaning and that you live in a country that sincerely cares about your well-being.