Memorial Day Weekend 2015

There's a lot going on this weekend. We're at the end of the school year, there's a graduation Sunday and Memorial Day is Monday. Many people are looking forward to this three day weekend but, for some parents, it's an emotional journey as they prepare to watch their babies march into adulthood as they graduate from high school. As another school year comes to an end, we say farewell to the students graduating. Through involvement in the classroom and extracurricular activities, students are able to find a sense of community. For many high school students, senior year marks the end of one chapter of education and the beginning of another: college. However, some students are opting to enter the military or the worforce. Graduation is a crossroad and many will decide on the path they plan to take in life and the possibilities are endless. We pray that each graduate has a successful, productive life and we're also praying that there's good weather so the graduation could be held at the Lumberton Football Stadium.

During this extended weekend, our country will be celebrating Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. The holiday, which is observed every year on the last Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who died while in the military service. In observance of this holiday, there will be a lot of families having cookouts and visiting graves. Hopefully, the seasonal grass cutters did a good job at ALL the local cemeteries because people will be visiting to honor their loved ones.

There will be a lot to celebrate this weekend. While celebrating, the Mississippi Highway Patrol will begin the 2015 Memorial Day Holiday Enforcement Period on Friday, May 22nd at 6 p.m. and conclude Monday, May 25th at midnight. During the holiday period, all available manpower will be utilized statewide in establishing safety checkpoints to prevent impaired driving, promote seatbelt usage, and to ensure safe operation of motor vehicles by licensed drivers. Saturation patrols will also be used to combat distracted and reckless driving. Also, please keep our local police officers in your prayers. They're leaving their families to protect yours. This weekend would be a great time to show them you appreciate their hard work and dedication by inviting them to the cookout, buying them a soda, a bottle of water, a snack or a meal. If you're celebrating graduation, Memorial Day or just glad to have a day off from work, please party resonsibly and have a safe and joyous holiday weekend!