Memorial Day, we will not forget.

Memorial Day, also known as Decoration Day, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War.

But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I am reminded of my own father, USMC Colonel Glen Harold Barlow, who served from 1950 until his death in 1975.

I listen to the “reel to reel” tapes he recorded and sent home for us to hear his voice. I truly cannot imagine the separation that he must have felt and what a sacrifice it was to do what he did. He died in the line of duty on a mission in support of The Vietnam War in Iwakuni, Japan.

If you have a loved one that served or is currently serving in any faction of the military, I welcome your post on our Facebook page about them. There will never be enough gratitude to our troops from those of us who enjoy our freedom because of their sacrifice.

Join me this Memorial Day in the tradition of honoring the national moment of silence. At 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day, Americans are asked to pause for one minute to pay tribute to America’s fallen soldiers. This became official after the passage of The National Moment of Remembrance Act in 2000. The team at Barlow Wealth Advisory Group will pause to remember that freedom is not free.