The lessening of COVID restrictions means a sense of freedom is certainly in the air this Memorial weekend. But our many freedoms are due to dedicated armed forces, and Memorial Day is a day to honor the service men and women who have passed, in times of war or times of peace.

There are two opportunities to pay respects locally this year. As they have for many years, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 308 will again host a ceremony at the club headquarters off Tinkerfield Road, starting at 11 am, on Monday, May 31. Residents are urged to set aside time that morning to attend. Whether a military family member or not, pausing to remember those who devoted their lives or a portion of it to our nation is not asking too much.

The second takes a bit of planning to catch the event. In an effort to not let the day go by unheralded last Memorial Day when gatherings were not possible, “Taps Along the Housatonic” was presented by American Legion Post 202. The event returns for 2021 and will again feature area musicians stationed strategically along the river in Sandy Hook, each one echoing the former’s rendition of “Taps.” Traditionally a bugle call played during armed forces’ ceremonies and at military funeral, “Taps” is familiarly known as “Day is Done.” The American Legion has encouraged a variety of musical instruments to be the messengers, however, for this Memorial Day ceremony.

The entire stream of playing, from the first note sounded at 10:10 am at Eichler’s Cove to the final one at 10:17 am at Shady Rest Community Beach is brief. Choose a site to listen, and don’t be late.

Other sites in Sandy Hook are 10:11 am — end of Mohawk Trail; 10:12 am — end of Sweetbriar Lane; 10:13 am — Riverside Drive, near Center Street (near Lorenzo’s Restaurant); 10:14 am — Glen Road – Silver Bridge (will be closed during observance); 10:15 am — river/tree line at Walnut Tree Baseball Field, Bridge End Farm Lane; and 10:16 am — Anthes Avenue.

The United States currently is not at war; we do not suffer the indignities and horror that our global family endures in other countries. We do not huddle in fear of rockets, we do not sift through the rubble of bombings. We do not walk in fear of sudden air strikes, we do not wonder if clean water will return, if the luxuries of modern day will be wiped out in a moment.

We know that instability reigns in the world, but we go about our business day to day, trusting that our country is at attention. We put our freedoms and our lives in the hands of the troops who swear to uphold our Constitution and protect each and every one of us, though they do not know our names; nor do we know theirs.

Memorial Day reminds us of brave service men and women who have passed before us, as well as friends and family members. Celebrate the day with thanks.