Lets Celebrate Memorial Day

 For some of us the Memorial Day weekend is just another 3 day weekend and the beginning of summer where we usually have friends and family over for a barbeque.

For others it's a little more than just having a BBQ, it's also honoring and remembering all the men and woman who gave their lives for our country.

Some of these acts of kindness will go a long way:

• Write a member of the military. There are thousands of men and women currently in harms way in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas. Visit a Million Thanks  at  www.amillionthanks.org  to find out how you can write them and brighten their day.
• Spend your time doing something nice for the community: Volunteer. Whether it's at the local animal shelter, nursing home, or giving blood, volunteering is always appreciated.  Plus,  you will feel better that you did.
• Attend a morning memorial service at your local cemetery.  There is no better way to start off the day than remembering why it is celebrated in the first place. Your newspaper should have a schedule of start times, but if not, just pick up the phone and call the cemetery.   Place flags and flowers at the grave sites.
• Fly the US Flag.  
•  At 3 p.m. local time on each Memorial Day, pause for one minute to remember those who have given their all for us. Participation can be as simple as a moment of silence; ringing a bell or reading the names for each family member who has served in the military and died; or the playing of Taps.

And Most  Important:

• Take time out of your day to stop and thank someone who has served our country in the military. It's a simple thing to do, yet I've heard from so many veterans, that a simple act of gratitude means more to them than most people realize.

After you have shown your respect you then can get ready for the BBQ:

Memorial Day Recipes:
 Here are a couple of favorite recipes that you can try when you fire up the grill  this coming weekend.
 I've always been a big fan of lamb and the following grilled lamb recipe is one of my favorites

Grilled Lamb Chops with Brown Sugar Glaze

• 1/4 cub brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons dried tarragon
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 lamb chops

Directions:

• Mix together all of the seasonings above (the brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, ginger, tarragon, cinnamon and salt)
• Rub the lamp chops with the seasonings and place on a covered plate in the refrigerator for about an hour
• Preheat the grill on high
• Brush the grill with oil and place lamb chops on the grill
• Cook 5 minutes on each side

Here are links to a couple of favorites from AllRecipes:

• Grilled Tequila-Lime Shrimp
• Southern Grilled Barbecued Ribs