It’s Memorial Day and while we celebrate the unofficial start to the summer season, there’s a bigger reason why today is a holiday.

Greene County Veterans Affairs Director Michael Bierl explains the importance of why we celebrate Memorial Day.

“Memorial Day is that time where we all stop and can reflect on the great sacrifices the veterans, and law enforcement, emergency management, those type of folks have sacrificed to give us the freedoms that we have here in America. So a lot of you may have had relatives that have greatly impacted (that).”

Bierl describes how important Memorial Day is for him.

“I’m part of the (American) Legion for many years and being a part of the honor guard it always chokes you up. Anyone who’s done a detail knows what it means. My father was a Korean War veteran and seeing the flag fly over their graves, anyone with relatives or friends that had that experience, it’s heartbreaking.” 

Bierl urges everyone to pay tribute today to those who have impacted your lives by giving of their lives for your freedoms.