Celebrate, be merry, then get yourself to a Memorial Day program

In Simi Valley, when it comes to parties, it doesn't get any bigger (or better) than the Sunrise Rotary Club's annual Cajun Creole Music Festival . . . well, at least not without a few friendly uniformed officers knocking down the front door.

The event- - which draws visitors from across the United States in search of that unmistakable southern Louisiana atmosphere- - is larger than ever this year and even includes a 5K/10K run/walk dubbed the Gator Run so attendees can burn a few calories Sunday morning before cramming down all the crawfish and jambalaya they can stomach.

All things considered, there aren't too many good reasons why you and your family shouldn't make it down to Santa Susana Park this Saturday and Sunday and have the best time possible. Hey, it's tradition.

Just go easy at the beer tents.

Because while you're getting down to the smooth sounds of the bayou, or stuffing your face with catfish, don't forget to remember exactly why it is that you have Monday off following the exciting weekend.

It's Memorial Day, a time to reflect on the countless Americans throughout history who put their lives on the line for this dream we all enjoy living, some of whom paid the ultimate price.

And while recognizing these patriots' bravery and sacrifice, it ought to be our duty to get out and attend a Memorial Day service- be it Simi Valley's or any other- on Monday.

Memorial Day programs put on by the veterans themselves present the hard but necessary truth of just how many young men and women from our very own communities have lost their lives in service to this country. It's an invaluable lesson, especially for young people, so bring along the kids.

It's also a sobering reminder of the troops who currently find themselves at risk in Iraq, Afghanistan and other theaters around the world- and why they deserve our deepest love and support now, and especially when they return home.

So enjoy Simi's greatest bash: the Cajun Festival. Just don't use it as an excuse to sleep in on Monday.