Like most people, I look forward to the upcoming three-day weekend: class and work are canceled, and for that extra day we’re granted, we’re allowed to enjoy some leisure time. For some, this means nothing more than slowing down. Others take trips to cabins, fish on lakes, watch late-night fireworks, enjoy afternoon barbeques or thrill to each lap of the Indianapolis 500.

But as we’re enjoying our free time, we mustn’t lose sight of the sacrifices that make such enjoyment possible.

Memorial Day symbolically marks the start of summer and gives Americans an extra day off between two work weeks. This weekend, we meet with friends and bond with our families.

Life in modern society has nearly everything that could be asked for — we have more political liberties than ever before and, in material terms, our lives are of unparallelled quality. Still, we all too quickly forget these liberties and the debts we owe to those who made them possible. Even on the day designated for remembering the guardians of our freedom, we often find ourselves focusing inward.

Don’t fall into that trap. This Memorial Day, take a few moments to be grateful and to acknowledge what Memorial Day is all about. We’ve made this day into our own private day, but it is not about us or our leisure pursuits. Step back, and consider the individuals who lost their lives so you could enjoy yours. For just a moment, forget your vacation and remember the simple things we take for granted and exclude from Memorial Day celebrations and remembrances. These activities include voting, equality, free speech and the very elements give us cause to celebrate this holiday. Remember the individuals who have been fighting for these simple rights from the time of the Civil War to the present day.

If you like to use ‘political’ words such as ‘socialist’ and ‘fascist,’ consider the individuals who actually fought in World War II so that you could exercise the right of political speech. Complain about the president if you must, but be grateful for the soldiers who fought in the First World War to make the world safe for democracy. We want to enjoy our Memorial Day weekend with our families and friends and all activities we hold dearest, but this holiday isn’t about us.

Memorial Day is about those who gave their lives for us — those who lost their families and their lives so that we could enjoy ours. Whatever you find yourself doing this weekend, take a portion of this leisurely break to think about them and to honor their loss, so you can enjoy the fireworks, the barbeque, or maybe just an extra day in bed.