Where did you spend Memorial Day?

Where were you?

The veterans were there. Uniforms pressed, flags waving, proudly serving their country even in retirement; duty still clear many years after the sounds of war have faded.

Where were you?

A few families wandered through Pinecrest or Lakeview cemeteries on Monday. Quietly examining the graves of our country's soldiers — some who died on the battlefield, still in their teens, giving their life in service to our country; others who died many years later after returning home and raising a family.

Where were you?

A mother and daughter were there. Placing flowers on the graves of several generations of family to honor their memory and keep the past alive.

Where were you?

Honoring the past isn't easy, especially when it comes to war. War, by its very nature, isn't pretty. It is foul and ugly; harsh, seething, brutal and destructive in ways that few removed from its immediate horror fully understand.

War, again by its nature, is political. A chess match among countries to decide whose will prevails when talking doesn't work. Honoring those who died in support of war can be hard for those who are vehemently opposed to the political action.

Remembering isn't easy. It isn't supposed to be.

It takes time, sacrifice and an attention to the greater community; a decision to put others before yourself. Remembering involves action, a recognition that someone else, something else, is more important.

When did it become more about the start of the summer tourist season and less about honoring those who gave us that chance to throw a few hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill?

When did we, as sons and daughters, as a country, place our own selfish desires before taking a few moments to say a simple "thank you?"

Sure, three-day weekends are nice — a chance to relax with family and friends, to play and have a little fun. It's great to have an extra day off from the pressures of work or school and recharge your mental batteries.

But who do you think made it possible?

It didn't just happen. The nation's politicians and bureaucrats didn't just decide, "Hey, we don't feel like running the country today. Let's give everyone a day off. They've worked hard this week"

Countless sons and daughters have fought and died in service to their country to preserve our freedoms and protect us all, bound by duty to put the needs of all before desires of the individual.

Without their sacrifice, without the sacrifice of their families, where would we be today?

So, I ask again, where were you?

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of The Daily Bee.