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A little bleary-eyed and tired, I made my way to the annual Memorial Day Service at Veterans Memorial Park in Atmore on Monday.

Before exiting my car, I made sure to put aside my tiredness and put on a pleasant attitude for those who I might encounter.

“Good morning!” I said to a woman as we made our way to the service.

“Hey, mayor (Jim Staff)!” I said, and he returned his greetings.

As the service got going, I all of a sudden became a little impatient. I don’t know why. Maybe it was because the program started late because of technical issues or it was because the day was heating up, literally.

As Billy Gates finished reading the distinguished career of Maj. Valisa Hadley, I calmed down a bit.

I really appreciated Hadley’s words as she reminded me what Memorial Day is all about.

The day isn’t about grilling out and having fun with family and friends. The day is about remembering those who have fallen while serving in the military.

Hadley said something that really brought it home for me. She said the number who died in World War II is the same as the population of New Orleans, La.

That’s staggering.

I remember visiting Arlington National Cemetery, and feeling the weight of those who sacrificed their lives.

It’s a heavy burden, and one we shouldn’t forget.

Memorial Day is one day a year, but all of us should keep in mind those who have fallen before us.