---

I really hope that you were able to take some time out of your busy holiday weekend to pay your respects to those who have passed on and especially those who have died while serving our country. To the majority of us, Memorial Day has become a long relaxing weekend with the chance of seeing family or friends, or maybe heading up to the cabin to ready it for the summer. While those things are very important to all of us, I hope that we do not lose sight of what Memorial Day is really about.

Throughout our country’s history there have been many military dealings. Some of them have been viewed as the right thing to do and some of them not. Whatever side of the military you are on, you have to agree that without the presence of our military throughout this country’s history, we would be looking at a totally different landscape. There is a chance that we would not be able to enjoy the everyday quality of life that we all take for granted. For all of those who have served, and those of you who currently are serving in the military, we owe you and your families a massive debt of gratitude and thanks. And to those families who have lost loved ones while serving in the military, there is no thank you big enough or appropriate for your sacrifice.

On the subject of Memorial Day, we finally received what seemed to be missing from years past––sunshine. What an absolutely beautiful weekend we had to celebrate. Even though the temps were quite high, the stiff breeze seemed to make you forget that you were standing in 90 plus degrees.

In this edition of the Press you will find a listing of the Class of 2006 for Chisago Lakes Senior High School and Chisago Lakes Baptist School. Graduation is just around the corner, and the Chisago County Press would like to congratulate all the seniors and wish nothing but the best for them as they enter their next phase in life.

Over the years I have been in constant search of life’s simple pleasures. Well, I think I stumbled onto one this past weekend. Have you ever tried just sitting in your children's kiddie pool while they swim and splash around you? Just a little water and a warm day is all they need to be completely happy.

---