A year after the coronavirus pandemic sharply restricted the way we could observe the memorial holiday weekend last year, things certainly feel differently as  this years’ holiday approaches.

  A year ago, many of us spent the holiday weekend stuck in our homes, unwilling to or unable to spend time with relatives and friends. Many holiday observances were canceled or curtailed because of the pandemic in 2,020

But that has certainly changed this year.

There is a sense of relief among many people I know

As pandemic restrictions ease, with most to be eliminated in Ohio next week.

  The pandemic gave many of us a new appreciation for the freedoms we have generally enjoyed as Americans.

Those freedoms didn’t just happen.

They were first won, then have been preserved by veterans who protected our country when our way of life was threatened.

Today and during the upcoming weekend, you will hear many messages from area businesses and agencies urging  us  to remember the sacrifices of the men and women who gave their lives in our service.

That is very good advice for all of us.

That’s the way I see it.