While Memorial Day weekend is a wonderful time for gathering with family and friends for picnics, pool parties and parades, I write to you with the annual reminder not to forget the true meaning of the event.

Memorial Day is a time to remember the brave men and women who have put everything on the line so we may live in freedom in the greatest nation in the world.

Born out of a wish to honor those who fell in the Civil War, Memorial Day serves as a nationally-recognized holiday to honor all those who have died in service of the United States.

We also acknowledge the families of these heroes who live on and continue to preserve the memories of their loved ones.

In May 2000, the “National Moment of Remembrance” was established, encouraging all citizens throughout the United States to pause for a moment of silence at 3 p.m.

Kentucky has a special license plate known as the “Gold Star License Plate” for mothers, fathers, siblings and spouses of military service members who died while serving. If you or your family members are interested in obtaining one of these plates, please do not hesitate to reach out to me by contacting my legislative office.

In 2017, we passed a number of laws to help veterans and military families who are still with us. The General Assembly passed many military-centric laws, including ones that will help veteran-owned small businesses, provide death-in the-line-of-duty benefits for National Guard families and clarify laws pertaining to military spouse unemployment benefits.

While we remember those who served this Memorial Day weekend, I also encourage you to get involved in your communities, whether by volunteering for a local veteran-oriented charity or attending weekend festivities. You never know when you may touch the life of someone who needs it — especially a veteran or a military family.

It is an honor to serve as your state senator and I wish you and your family a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at Ralph.Alvarado@LRC.ky.gov.

You can also review the legislature’s work online at www.lrc.ky.gov.

Sen. Ralph Alvarado (R-Winchester) represents the 28th Senate district including Clark and Montgomery counties and the eastern portion of Fayette County.