Monday’s Memorial Day celebrations were both refreshing and disappointing.

Seeing America ablaze with red, white and blue on Memorial Day is refreshing and stirs the patriotism in our souls.

Observing the abundance of social media posts that remind us all to deeply appreciate the sacrifices our country’s fallen military men and women were inspiring as well.

Yet, the majority of the year, most of us ignore the men and women who serve or have served in our nation’s military.

We forget about the sacrifices that husbands, wives, moms and dads make to keep us safe. Memorial Day is a great holiday, one set aside to remember the fallen.

Natchez is unique in many regards as the final resting place of veterans who fought in practically every great American war or conflict since the American Revolution.

But it also reminds us — or should remind us — not to forget about the living veterans and their families as well, just like the Veterans Day holiday in November.

Just like the men and women who serve as first responders in local emergencies, the military is generally underpaid for their service.

We owe them, collectively, our lives. They should be held up in our society with the highest regard.

Each time matters of finance for military pay and veterans benefits comes up for public debate, we should remember the soul-stirring messages of Memorial Day and remember those have gave the ultimate sacrifice, their families and those who survived.