This holiday weekend, as families across Southwest Florida celebrate the unofficial start of summer with barbeques, picnics and fireworks, we must remember the holiday we are celebrating - Memorial Day - and we must not forget those who have given so much to defend our freedoms, liberties and way of life.

We must remember the brave men and women who came before us and sacrificed for our country - some with their lives - and we must resolve to remember their courage and service throughout the year.

Here in Southwest Florida, we have one of the largest populations of veterans in the country.

I'm honored to represent these heroes in Congress, and I know the people of Southwest Florida join me in recognizing their selfless service to our great nation.

In fact, a number of Southwest Floridians and business owners have been working to honor many of these veterans in a very special way.

Led by Don Vecoli and his team of terrific and dedicated volunteers, nearly 100 World War II and Korean War veterans came to Washington in April to visit the World War II Memorial, the Iwo Jima Memorial, and other sites as part of Southwest Florida's Honor Flight Program.

If you aren't familiar with this program, I hope you soon will be.

Southwest Florida Honor Flight is part of a nationwide program designed to bring World War II veterans to our nation's capital to visit their memorial and be honored for their contributions to our country.

It is a touching and memorable tribute to a generation of heroes who gave their all, and I know this program will continue to honor veterans from every generation.

The generosity and dedication of the men and women who make programs like Southwest Florida Honor Flight possible is inspiring.

Because of their efforts, we are reminded every day that the heart and soul of the nation are the heroes who don the uniform to keep us free and secure.

And we must also remember the families that have sent their loved ones to battle in order to preserve our freedom and way of life.

This year, as our nation fights to defend our freedoms and defeat terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan and other corners of the world, Memorial Day has even more meaning.

It is a war that we must continue to fight and that will be won precisely because we believe in the ideals of freedom.

Memorial Day is a day set aside for us to honor these courageous soldiers of past and present. We pay tribute to the innumerable sacrifices they have made to protect and preserve our freedoms, and they will always be remembered by a thankful nation.

Members of our armed forces deserve our support, our respect and our thanks every day for their work in advancing the cause of freedom.

I hope you will join me in continuing to honor Southwest Florida's heroes.

- U.S. Rep. Connie Mack IV, R-Fort Myers, represents Lee and parts of Collier and Charlotte counties in Congress.