By EMILY D. COOK / Community Columnist

Does Memorial Day mark the beginning of your summer? For many it does, including us here at Oak Mountain State Park.

For others, it is a way to remember and honor their ancestors for fighting and dying for the freedoms that we have today.

Memorial Day began in 1868 as Decoration Day after the American Civil War.

Take a moment from the fun, busy weekend to remember those that we lost so that we can enjoy this weekend.

Oak Mountain State Park has so much to do on a holiday weekend. Just remember that if the weather is pretty the park will be busy.

Things to do on this long weekend include pedal boats and paddle boarding at the marina, hiking a trail to your favorite spot, playing at the beach or at the waterfall, biking the Red Trail along Double Oak Mountain, playing a round of golf, grilling hamburgers and hot dogs at one of many picnic areas in the park, tossing a line in the water to see what you can reel in or hanging out with the numerous animals at the Petting Farm or Alabama Wildlife Center.

Don’t forget to check out Flipside Watersports and the Oak Mountain Interpretive Center while you are here. They each offer something unique.

Need a fun place to stay for the holiday weekend? Come here! We have cabins and the campground that are sure to fit your needs.

Whether you stop by a family member’s grave to leave a token of appreciation or spend the weekend with family having a barbecue at your home or here in the park, we hope that you have a great Memorial Day.

Please remember that you keep Alabama State Parks open by visiting them. Thank you for your support.