It's one of those things so easy to not think about: the military personnel who risk their lives to protect and defend America—and what life is really like for them and the families that support them.

It's easy to not think about because we don't have a draft, meaning many of us no longer have an active service member or recent veteran in our family. It can seem far removed from our everyday life.

What is it like to be the wife of a navy officer getting ready for deployment again? To grow up as a military brat, adjusting to life in a new town and new school again and again? To support your teen as they decide to join the service in a time of war?

To mark Military Spouse Awareness month and, of course, Memorial Day, Spring.St celebrates not only those who serve, but those who support our service members, day in and day out. We want to help bridge the gap between military families, and those of us who simply cannot understand what a life in service is like.

Our special series, called In Service, aims to shine a light on these dedicated and brave military families and try in our own small way to describe what a life in service is like.

And to all those who serve and have served, thank you.