It’s not about cookouts, though that’s what we do.

It’s not about parties, though that’s what people have.

It’s not about trips to visit friends and relatives, though that’s what many people take.

It’s not about a day off of work, though many people aren’t working today.

It is about honoring those who have perished serving their nation. It is about honor. Courage. Sacrifice. It is about commitment to country, and to comrades-in-arms.

While Barack Obama skips the annual ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary and sends Vice President Biden instead so he can go home to Chicago for a long weekend to go a cookout and take the day off of work, do what Obama isn’t doing this day: remember those who have fallen in service to this great nation. Remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.