At this time of the year, we are reminded to not forget. However, we must extend that to say we must not forget the entire year.

There are many things that happen in our daily lives that we shouldn’t forget about, but allow me to focus on these few thoughts.

Let us never forget to honor the more than 1.3 million Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our nation’s military. These women and men answered the call to stand up for our country’s values, and were laid to rest in many cemeteries. Let us never forget to honor them with love, care and remembrance.

Let us never forget the millions of Americans who live with the physical and mental traumas from their service to our country. They are not losers, but true Americans. These Americans didn’t evade service because of some made up medical condition. They stepped forward, and, now, bear the mental and physical scars from their service. Let us never forget to honor them with the physical and mental medical services they need.

Let us never forget that everyone served in some way. The families of those serving in the military served by their loving concern for their mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, aunts and uncles who were deployed into danger’s way. The anxiety and fear experienced by these family members are never to be forgotten. Let us always honor each other.

Let us never forget to support and defend our nation’s founding principles. These principles are what we have defended for 250 years. They encompass that all people deserve life, liberty, equal justice and the pursuit of happiness. We must fight for the rule of law that treats everyone with proper dignity and not just a few wealthy white men. Our country needs to speak up and to not stay silent when our basic laws are under attack. It is through the combined voices of the common citizen – women and men, alike – that our country will once again become the beacon of light and hope for the world.

Let us never forget to honor each other. We are all members of the human family, and everyone deserves respect. Yes, we may look differently, speak differently and live differently, but we are one. Let us never forget to honer each other.

Let us never forget to honor nature. It was here before us, and, unless we totally destroy it, it will be here after we are gone. Never forge the sacredness of nature.

Let us never forget the value of education. We have the advances in medicine and other sciences because of education. We have access to human history because of educational facilities. Education should always be open to exploration, and not stifled by one thought. Let us never forget that being educated is a good thing – intellectualism brings progress not hatred.

Let us never forget to stand up for our Constitution. It very much needs our support today. Let us never forget to speak up and support this document.

Let us never forget to raise a glass of our favorite beverage to all of us. We need our mutual support now.

Finally, let us never forget to honor ourselves – not in a narcissistic way but in a humble way. We are all unique.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!