Memorial Day should not be seen as just another holiday or day off from work.  It is a time to remember those men and women who have served and died for our country. 

     Faulkner, Mississippi, native Terrel Gattis served in the United States Army for 24 years and retired as a Major in the Military Police Core.  He said, “Memorial Day is a great day to celebrate our military who have made America a free and secure country.”  Gattis served in the Vietnam War and also commanded the Military Police Company 101st Airborne.

     When asked what made him choose to serve in the Army, Gattis said, “My father served in the military, my uncle died in World War II, and it became my dream to serve in the military for our country.”  Gattis now resides in Jacksonville, Alabama, and he plans to attend a Memorial Day ceremony in Jacksonville on Monday while also cooking out and spending time with his family.

     As Americans, we should all take time this Monday to pay respect and give thanks to those who served, which are our nation’s true heroes.  Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Despite the rising gas prices, millions of Americans are expected to travel the roads this weekend.  In an article written by the Associated Press, travel agency AAA said that 37.6 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more, or about 1 percent more than last year.  Click here to read the full article by the Associated Press on msnbc.com.

Enjoy this Memorial Day weekend, and we wish you happy and safe travels!