Memorial Day’s True Meaning [POLL/AUDIO]

Excitement over the unofficial kick-off of summer can lead to the true meaning of Memorial Day getting overshadowed.

Barbecues and the beach are on the minds of many and even taking advantage of holiday sales, but some of those at the Jersey Shore do plan on pausing to remember our fallen service men and women whose sacrifices preserve the freedoms we have today.

"There has to be a day to remember the fallen soldiers. My father was in World War II and it's a day of remembrance for me," Jack Murphy of Toms River said.

Those who lost grandfathers also said they too will pause to think about their loved ones.

"We do go to the Memorial at the Pine Beach Firehouse and we have a BBQ," Janet Adesso of Pine Beach said.

Not everyone paused this weekend. A number of people admit they try to remember the importance of Memorial Day, but get caught up celebrating with friends, attending barbecues, going to the beach and golfing.

Joyce Kelly from South Toms River said she hopes more people show up at the Toms River parade, which takes place downtown on Monday.

"In the morning, I'll be watching my daughter march in the Memorial Day Parade," Kelly said, adding the holiday is about, "remembering all the sacrifices that our military have made for us to have the freedoms that we have."

Many shore communities are holding parades and tributes over the next couple of days.