How Are You Remembering Our Fallen?

All across Canton and the rest of the United States, grills are being fired up, music is being blasted, and people of all walks of life are celebrating the start of summer by heading out to the lake, the beach, or any other number of fun places.

Sure, Memorial Day is fun and a great long weekend for everyone to soak up the summer sun they've been missing for months, but is that really what the whole day is about?

Since 1775, over 1.3 million American soldiers have given their lives so you and I can enjoy boating on the lake and grilling outside.

Memorial Day was first established after the American Civil War, to give people a day to reflect on those killed on both sides of the conflict. Since then, the day has expanded to give thanks and remember our fallen soldiers from all wars.

Today, I am remembering my great grand uncle Max Polak, who was killed in Action in the Bois du Chene Sec near the Argonne Forest on Oct. 5, 1918. 

Uncle Max was a machine gunner with Company K of the 127th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division. On Oct. 5, his platoon was in a shell hole holding out against German counter attacks when Max was hit in the head by a machine gun bullet. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his bravery in defending his post.

Fortunately, none of my other family members have been killed in combat, though many have served from the Civil War to World War II and beyond. I consider it a great blessing that my family has served proudly to defend our country.

While you're out on Lake Allatoona, or at Stone Mountain, or just having a nice barbeque in the backyard today, don't forget about Uncle Max, or your family members who have been lost in the service of our country.

If you see a veteran, thank him or her for his service, and for the buddies he or she had to leave behind. If you are a veteran, thank you for what you and your comrades have done and what you have gone through to protect the freedoms and values we hold so dear. We can only hope to live lives worthy of those who died for us, and died for their pals in the foxholes of France, the Pacific, Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East.

Enjoy the beautiful weather, eat some delicious food, make lasting memories. But don't forget why it's called Memorial Day.

Do you have a veteran in your family you'd like to publicly thank for his or her service? Thank them in the comments or click the "Upload Photos and Videos" button!