IRON MOUNTAIN — Memorial Day — that first three-day holiday that heralds the arrival of summer in the Northwoods. Is this really what Memorial Day is about?

The historical reason for the holiday signifies much more than just a three-day weekend. Memorial Day is a solemn day of remembrance for all the military personnel who have died serving in the American Armed Forces. The U.S. realized they needed to formally honor fallen American military personnel, so in 1971 Memorial Day became a federal holiday and was set on the last Monday of May.

Prior to that date, going back to the Civil War, individual communities would organize a day in May to celebrate the death of military personnel in their communities. They would clean the cemetery and place flags on all the grave sites of fallen soldiers. Many people have the misconception that on this day we honor everyone in the military. However, Memorial Day is set aside to honor and thank the men and women who gave their lives to fight for us and defend our country. Whereas Veterans Day, which is in November, is set aside to thank all veterans for their services.

So this year and every year when you are barbecuing with family and friends, swimming in the pool, and enjoying the unofficial beginning of summer, take a moment to reflect and remember why we have the freedoms we have.

These men and women made a huge sacrifice and we should be thankful to them. Remember “All Gave Some, Some Gave All.”

Upcoming events:

The Dickinson County Office of Veterans Affairs now has an identification card maker for cards to be used to verify veteran status for local business discounts. We will begin making identification cards June 12. They ask you to call the office to schedule an appointment.

This will be by appointment for Dickinson County veterans only by calling 906-774-2820.

The veteran must bring in their DD 214 and also verification of being a Dickinson County resident. This is for veterans only.

The Veterans Tribute ride takes place Saturday. Registration is from 8 to 9:45 a.m. at Riverside Auto in Iron Mountain. The ride will begin at 10:30 a.m. Anyone is welcome to participate. Cost is $20. Call 906-396-1903.

Stops include the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, Veterans Memorial Park and ending in Norway.

Memorial Day program will begin at 9 a.m. in front of the Dickinson County Courthouse in Iron Mountain. The parade starts at 9:45 a.m., leaving Ludington Street and marching down Stephenson Avenue to the courthouse. In case of rain, the program will be at the Braumart Theatre in Iron Mountain.

The U.P. Honor Flight fundraiser is planned June 15 at Bob’s Country Bar in Niagara. The event will begin at noon. The office still has tickets available.