This Memorial Day, there will be honor guards snapping to attention as flags ripple in the breeze. Amidst the green lawn and bright flowers of cemeteries throughout the state, lone buglers and mournful pipers will evoke a heartfelt tear.

On Monday, I hope we can all shut off our Smart-Phones and pause from our barbecues and picnics and our busy lives. That we can take a moment to remember those who served in the military who gave their precious lives for our nation, for our way of life and for our freedom.

Whether they died a century ago, or just last week, their sacrifice renews itself every single day as we who probably never knew them, go about our daily lives, as we work, play, raise our families and build our communities. For the men and women who fell in World War I or II, in Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East or anywhere else – be they strangers, relatives or old friends, they are all our family.

On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their all for our nation. But every other day of the year, may we also not forget to honor and thank the military men and women who served at home and abroad in the past, and especially appreciate those men and women who are serving today.

William Shaw is the regional publisher of the Bellevue Reporter, Issaquah-Sammamish Reporter, Mercer Island Reporter and Snoqualmie Valley Record.