It seemed like winter was never going to come to an end and that spring was never going to arrive. Now here we are, knocking on the door of summer already. Children everywhere will be anxiously counting down the days until their summer break from school. While the end of the month brings many things to celebrate, not all celebrations are about hot dogs on the BBQ or big weekend parties. On Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, we stop what we are doing to honor and remember those who have given their lives while serving in the military. Those brave individuals gave the ultimate sacrifice to ensure that we would continue to enjoy our freedoms. While their sacrifices are honored around the Puget Sound in many different ways with various events being held, the best way to honor those who have sacrificed so much, is to never forget them. So while you are enjoying the sunshine, your family's company, and time off work, never forget the reason behind the holiday and all that it stands for.

Memorial Day Service at Sumner Cemetery, 10 a.m., Monday, May 28. The community is invited to a Memorial Day service at Sumner Cemetery. There will be a lunch following the ceremony at the VFW Post 3070 Hall located at 1705 Willow St. in Sumner. Also, the community is encouraged to help place flags throughout the cemetery beginning Thursday, May 24, at 4 p.m.

DuPont Memorial Day Ceremony, noon, Monday, May 28. Join the city of DuPont as they celebrate Memorial Day at Ross Plaza located at 1500 Ross Loop.

Memorial Day Ceremony at Bethany Lutheran Church, 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 28. The community is invited to celebrate Memorial Day at the Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery. Flag and firing detail provided by Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Master of Ceremonies by Warrant Officer Walt Birdseye, prayers and special message delivered by Chaplain Cheryl Brady, flag salute by Dr. Lonnie Lai, USA Nurse Corps (R), music and bugle calls by Michael Marion and the church ensemble. Bethany Lutheran Located at 26418 Mountain Hwy., Spanaway.

Memorial Day Ceremony at the Olympia State Capitol Campus, 11 a.m., Monday, May 28. Join the city of Olympia as they honor Memorial Day by holding their annual ceremony. Hosted by the Thurston County Veterans Council with music beginning at 10:45 a.m. The ceremony will be held in the State Capitol Rotunda.

Memorial Day Celebration at Mountain View Funeral Home, Memorial Park & Crematory, 2 p.m., Monday, May 28. Mountain View will host this annual remembrance and celebration in their Garden of Honor. Located at 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood.

Tahoma National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, 1 p.m., Monday, May 28. A ceremony to honor the men and women who have served our nation beginning with a flyover by the Cascade Warbirds, piloted by former USAF fighter pilot Roger Collins flying an AT 28-010.