As you are celebrating the Memorial Day weekend with friends and family, enjoying a cookout or a trip to the beach, please be mindful of what the day is supposed to be about.

It began as a way to honor soldiers who were killed in battle, and is today still used to memorialize veterans who served their country honorably. In the early part of the 20th century, red poppies were worn in remembrance of the blood spilled on battlefields and also as a way to raise money for disabled veterans.

In 2000, Congress passed a resolution that all should pause at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day and observe a moment of remembrance and respect.

If it’s not asking too much tomorrow, consider saying a silent prayer for the soldiers who have been killed defending our freedoms, and consider observing a moment of silence out of respect for their loved ones.

In a town like Valdosta that has so many military ties, it is difficult to find anyone who hasn’t known someone who perished in a war. With so many of our Moody airmen deployed even today, there are many who could use a few extra well wishes and prayers to see their loved ones come home.

Business Roundup

It looks like the new Buffalo Wild Wings is going to be built on an outparcel by the Valdosta Mall, across from Atlanta Bread Company.

If you’ve driven on Baytree lately by the Boardwalk, you will have seen where there is a lot of renovation going on in the building next to it. The new owner called this week and said he is going to open a fresh juice and smoothie bar there, and hopes to be open in a few weeks.

It looks like the Elliano’s on Bemiss Road will finally be opening around the first of June. It’s located in front of the Highlands subdivision where the new Catfish One restaurant recently opened.

The folks at Smok’n Pig weren’t kidding when they said they were fixin’ to renovate. They started this week and should be done early next week on an enclosed foyer/vestibule so that patrons can stay a little cooler this summer and the heat and cold air aren’t coming directly into the restaurant anymore. They will also be starting on a new addition very soon, which will extend to the right (north) side of the building. It will have a fireplace, and two banquet rooms for larger parties. Once the addition is built, the area around the salad bar will be reworked too so that folks will be able to go down both sides rather than just one.

The addition to Wilson Eye Center on N. Patterson looks to be finished as far as the outside is concerned, and I’m sure they’ll hold a grand opening before too long.

Lowndes County officials announced that they are holding a grand opening for the Staten Road bridge Wednesday at 10 a.m. The bridge has taken 15 years to complete, from the approval through construction process, so a celebration is in order. Let’s hope the Skipper Bridge bridge won’t take near as long.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend, pause to remember those who have fallen in battle, and if there is anything I missed, please let me know!