Memorial Day is far more than a long weekend and an opportunity for a backyard barbecue. It is meant to honor the sacrifice of the men and women who have given their lives in defense of this country. They are heroes whose memories must be kept alive and cherished.

In that spirit, we offer the names of the 43 military members from Maine who have died serving their country in the two wars following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan

Evander E. Andrews, 36, Solon; Nicholes Darwin Golding, 24, Addison; Patrick Damon, 41, Falmouth; Andrew Small, 19, Wiscasset; Benjamin D. Keating, 27, Shapleigh; Edmund W. McDonald, 25, Casco; Christopher M. Wilson, 24, Bangor; Nicholas A. Robertson, 27, Old Town; Justin L. Buxbaum, 23, South Portland; Joshua Matthew Bernard, 21, New Portland; Jordan M. Brochu, 20, Cumberland; Joshua J. Kirk, 30, South Portland; Wade A. Slack, 21, Waterville; Brandon M. Silk, 25, Orono; Eric B. Shaw, 31, Exeter; Clinton E. Springer II, 21, Sanford; James R. Zimmerman, 25, Aroostook; Andrew Hutchins, 20, New Portland; Buddy W. McLain, 24, Mexico; and Tyler M. Springman, 19, Hartland.

Operation Iraqi Freedom – Iraq

Jay Thomas Aubin, 36, Waterville; Daniel Francis Cunningham Jr., 33, Lewiston; Jeremiah J. Holmes, 27, North Berwick; Christopher D. Gelineau, 23, Portland; Lawrence A. Roukey, 33, Westbrook; Beau R. Beaulieu, 20, Lisbon; Lynn Robert Poulin Sr., 47, Freedom; Thomas John Dostie, 20, Somerville; Joshua U. Humble, 21, Appleton; Corey A. Dan, 22, Norway; Dustin J. Harris, Bangor; Dale James Kelly Jr., 48, Richmond; Dustin J. Libby, 22, Presque Isle; Kristopher R. Ciraso, 26, Bangor; Eric Ross, 26, Kenduskeag; Angel Rosa, 21, South Portland; Jason Swiger, 24, South Portland; Richard K. Parker, 26, Phillips; Joel A. House, 22, Lee; Jason E. Dore, 25, Moscow; Blair William Emery, 24, Lee; Jonathan A. Lowery, 38, Houlton; and Tyler J. Smith, 22, Bethel.