May is a month for remembering. Traditionally graves of loved ones are adorned with flowers on Decoration Day, cemeteries are trimmed and pruned to look their finest for the many visitors who come from miles away to pay tribute to their deceased loved ones. When I was a child it was called Decoration Day and it was on May 30th, but now it is called Memorial Day and to make the holiday convenient it falls on the last Monday of the month so there is a three day weekend. However, no matter what day it falls on, in this community, we have not forgotten the significance of the day. A person just has to drive through Reinbeck’s cemetery and see the Avenue of Flags and the many flowers brought by friends and relatives to realize we are proud of our heritage.

Memorial Day is a good time to remember all the dead, but it is a special tribute to the hundreds of thousands who sacrificed their lives so we can enjoy our freedoms. As we approach Memorial Day 2012, let us remember those who gave part, or all of their lives so we might remain a free nation. It really doesn’t matter that the date of this holiday was changed because the purpose of Memorial Day remains the same and still is a very vital day to all of us. Since we began as a nation more than 50 million have served in our Armed Forces and millions have died for their country, never to return to their loved ones.

This is a good day for all of us to reflect on what this holiday is for and to remember our fellow men that are still with us. The first holiday of the summer season is great to enjoy, but it wouldn’t be hard for any of us to do a little remembering. Around Memorial Day is always a lovely time of the year. Usually it isn’t too hot or buggy and eating outside is very enjoyable. Or how about packing a simple dish to enjoy at a roadside park; whatever, you do keep it simple and enjoy!

This salad is easy and a complete meal.

TERIYAKI BEEF SALAD

3 cups deli roast beef, cut

in thin strips

2 tomatoes, cut in

wedges

1 green pepper, cut in

strips

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 cup celery, sliced

1/2 cup green onion,

thinly sliced

1/2 cup teriyaki sauce

1/3 cup oil

1/4 cup vinegar

1/2 teaspoon ginger

4 cups mixed greens

Combine beef, tomatoes, green pepper, mushrooms, celery and green onion in a large plastic, zipping bag; set aside. Stir together remaining ingredients except salad greens in a small bowl; and pour over beef mixture in bag. Toss well and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. At serving time, toss beef mixture again; drain excess dressing. Divide greens among 3 salad plates and top with beef mixture. Makes 4 servings.

“Memorial Day-a special day filled with love and prayer remembering those who have touched our lives and filled our hearts with everlasting memories.”