Monday is a special day. It’s Memorial Day, when we pause to honor those who died in the nation’s service.

It’s often easy to overlook the meaning of the day. After all, it’s founding is sketchy, though it probably dates back to our Civil War.

Nonetheless, for decades now, the country has stopped what’s it doing to remember – and thank – those who have died defending our liberties.

According to usmemorialday.org, the day’s first official observance was on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1873, New York became the first state to officially recognize the day.

Memorial Day was included in the National Holiday Act of 1971 when Congress made the day into a three-day weekend. Since then, it too often has become just another three-day weekend for people to relax and for stores to promote special sales.

Memorial Day deserves so much more.

It reminds us of terrible price the members of our armed forces have paid to keep us free. And, of course, also their families who mourn their deaths.

Those with ties to the military know the meaning of Memorial Day. But it’s not too late for everyone to appreciate the sacrifices others have made.

Many cemeteries will hold special services Monday to honor those in the military who have died in service. Sunset Hills Memorial Park, at 1215 145th Place S.E. in Bellevue, will be one of those sites when people gather at 11 a.m. to pay their respects.

The ceremony will last about an hour. Certainly we can afford to spend that time thanking those who gave so much more in return.