Monday, Americans celebrated Memorial Day, a day set aside each year to revere those American soldiers who have given their lives to preserve American freedom.

In most communities, like ours, a service of some kind is held to honor our soldiers, and America's colors are presented, prayers are said, and wreaths draped on monuments. Mostly, the occasion is marked by a work holiday, family barbeques, a long weekend at the beach, or a shopping trip for the famous Memorial Day retail sales.

I admit I am a culprit as well. The Memorial Day tradition in my family is to gather at the lake for a couple of days on the boat. The extent of our memorializing consists of watching the fireworks over Lake Hamilton with thousands of other weekenders.

Driving home Monday, I thought that, and I was ashamed at my apathy.

Since America declared its independence from Great Britain, our troops have fought in 14 major conflicts and wars. More than 43 million troops in all have faced the battlefield for their country, and 659,162 have paid the ultimate price and were killed in action.

I think about all the soldiers who have touched my life personally outside the uniform. My grandfather received a Purple Heart in WWII. His two brothers also served and were wounded.

My uncle, Bill Williams, served alongside my grandfather in the Italian Theatre during World War II.

Dan Gaia, a dear family friend, fought in Vietnam, and Dr. Randall Huling, another family friend, was an Army doctor for many years.

Here in Carroll and Montgomery counties, I have been inspired by many veterans I have met, written stories about, and followed through their weekly columns.

Just after moving here, I wrote a feature story on Carroll Johnson of Winona. An amazing man, he fought in World War II, played college football at the University of Alabama with Bear Bryant, and raised a family.

Bob Graves, a frequent columnist with The Winona Times and The Conservative, has written many times about his adventures in the U.S. Army, and Harvey Overstreet, another columnist, is actively involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization as the Veterans' Service Officer.

Colonel Sydney Branch leads the Pledge of Allegiance every Friday at the weekly Winona Rotary Club, and the pride he exudes during the ritual is contagious.

Recently, I met and interviewed Jamel Ford, a 2009 graduate of Winona High School. He joined the military at age 17, and is planning to go to college to prepare for his military career.

On May 1, I watched as families said goodbye as troops from the Winona National Guard Armory were deployed to Iraq. For 12 months, they will be separated from their loved ones and in harm's way to serve this country that they love. Their sacrifice ensures our freedom.

After all these years, America is still the greatest nation in the world. That can be attributed to those willing to fight for her. God bless our troops.