Monday is the day set aside to honor and remember those who died in active military service.

This Memorial Day, there will be honor guards snapping to attention as flags ripple in the breeze. Amidst the green lawn and bright flowers of cemeteries throughout the state, lone buglers and mournful pipers will evoke a heartfelt tear.

On Monday, we should all take a moment, shut off our smartphones and pause from our barbecues and picnics and busy lives. Then we can take a moment to remember those that served in the military and gave their precious lives for our nation, for our way of life and for our freedom.

Whether they died a century ago or just last week, their sacrifice renews itself every single day as we, who probably never knew them, go about our daily lives as we work, play, raise our families and build our communities.

For the men and women who fell during World War I or II, in Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East or anywhere else – be they strangers, relatives or old friends, we owe them a debt of gratitude.

On Memorial Day, we should all pause to remember those that gave their all for our nation.

On Saturday, May 23, the annual Coupeville Memorial Day Parade will pay tribute to those who served and died.

The parade starts 11 a.m. at South Main Street and Terry Road and will go down Main Street to Front Street, up Alexander Street, turning on Coveland Street and ending at Coupeville Town Park.

At Coupeville Town Park, a Remembrance Ceremony will feature representatives from Town of Coupeville, Whidbey Island Naval Air Station and veterans.

The All-Island Community Band will perform a “Musical Salute to the Armed Services.” After the ceremony, free hotdogs and drinks will be served until gone.

This year’s parade grand marshal is Harold Johnson, a Pearl Harbor survivor who served aboard the USS Oklahoma.