May 22, 2026 | Mark Luis Foster

It was a long, chilly and miserable winter (if you ask me) so I’m always relieved when the Memorial Day weekend comes. This “unofficial” start to summer is a waypoint to better weather, long bike rides and plenty of outdoor time.

I make no bones about the fact that I come from a military family. My grandfather, Leo Foster, fought in WWI and was declared “dead” on a battlefield in France around 1917. Fortunately for me, that was a military paperwork error and he lived to become a father to my own dad. So the beat goes on.

My dad was a veteran from the US Navy, and I have two brothers who have served in both the Navy and the Air Force, both since retired. My wife’s family has the other branches covered: Army, Marines and Coast Guard — and her brothers have also retired their service. We always appreciate what they’ve done for this country.

It gives me pause when I see Memorial Day sales and “happy this” and “happy that” whenever this holiday rolls around. It has become co-opted by the picnic and camping crowds, whoever they are, and the retail world has been on the same happy bandwagon. For many survivors of those who fought and died, it’s no happy occasion.

It’s important to remember the reason for the season:

Memorial Day originated after the Civil War to honor fallen Union soldiers. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” the tradition of decorating graves with spring flowers evolved to commemorate all U.S. military personnel who died in any conflict. It was established as a federal holiday in 1971.

We hope you give some time to stop and remember those who died fighting for our freedom in this great country of ours. No matter the side you’re on politically, this weekend is a time to let all that go and be deeply grateful for what we have. We are indeed the luckiest country on the face of the earth.