Memorial Day, an occasion both somber and celebratory, holds a unique place among American holidays.

As the unofficial start of summer, the long weekend provides an opportunity to gather with friends and family, enjoy the outdoors, travel and otherwise usher in the season. Just weeks removed from a brutal winter, that aspect of the holiday has been especially important for Rhode Islanders, and New Englanders in general.

Against this backdrop is found the true meaning of the day: honoring those who have given their lives in service to the nation. In schools and houses of worship, on public squares and in private moments, millions of Americans this week will take time to reflect on the price of our freedom and to remember the men and women who gave their all so others might live in safety and prosperity.

In a war-weary country where the all-volunteer nature of the military has led to a growing disconnect between many citizens and those in uniform, Memorial Day is one of the few occasions on which all Americans are called to consider the costs and realities of service.

It is a time to hear the stories of those who carry scars both visible and hidden, of those who live with the memory of fallen comrades – and the emotional burden that can often carry. It is a time to remember the toll taken on families and communities. It is a time to take pride in our shared ideals, and to recommit to more fully realize the promise of our democracy.

With a presidential campaign around the corner, Americans are set for renewed discourse on many vital matters – the nation’s place in the world, the role and use of military force, how best to address threats and upheaval abroad.

As we celebrate summer’s arrival and our way of life, let this shared moment of reflection inform that discourse. That, in the end, is the best manner in which to honor the sacrifices of so many.