The Rapides Parish Journal staff will take off an extra day this weekend as America marks the annual Memorial Day observance with nearly all governmental and financial agencies closed Monday along with a large segment of businesses.

There will be no Monday edition this week. If a major breaking news story warrants coverage, however, count on the RPJ to provide it. We will resume publication Tuesday morning with our weekday edition landing in your e-mail at 6:55 shortly after it is posted on our website and Facebook page.

Memorial Day honors the members of the United States military who have made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in the line of duty serving America to uphold our democracy.

While the long weekend provides many opportunities for fun activities and gatherings, your friends at the Journal urge you to reflect on the purpose of Memorial Day and the military heroes lost while serving our country.