As the daughter of a veteran, I hold a special place in my heart for the parents, siblings, spouses and friends of those who served. I cannot help but think of all the men and women who have gone to fight for this great nation and did not make it home.

While we celebrate the unofficial start of summer and encourage each other to “have a good weekend,” it is important to remember the reason for the holiday weekend. Memorial Day is the day Americans set aside to honor those brave men and women who met tragic ends while defending our freedom. It is our duty to honor their sacrifices, to pray for their families and to bow our heads in recognition of their service.

This Memorial Day, American Legion Auxiliary Units across the state will stand together to pay tribute to the fallen. We invite the residents of this state to join us in remembrance of those who paid the price for our freedom. We must never forget.

The American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization with nearly three-quarters of a million members and more than 8,000 Units in communities across the nation, organizing events and fundraisers throughout the year to support our veterans, military and their families.

Janice Sentivany, Unit #14

American Legion Auxiliary, Connecticut

Public Relations chairman

Coventry