They gave up the rest of their lives for us. Don't we owe America's fallen heroes at least a few minutes of our day?
Today, Americans are supposed to pause to reflect on the valor, sacrifice and bravery of the men and women who have died serving in our country's armed forces.
Some will. They will attend a Memorial Day parade, like the ones in Altoona, Tyrone and elsewhere. Some will go to a similar observance, visit a veterans facility or simply stop a cemetery and reflect as they see the small American flags waving beside the gravestones of our veterans.
But, sadly, too many people won't find the time.
It's the long weekend that marks the unofficial start of summer. They will be busy with picnics and outings, tasks around the home or shopping, going to a park or the golf course.
Yes, people will have lots of choices of what to do this Memorial Day - but only because of the men and women who paid for our freedoms with their blood and courage. When their country called, they put the needs of the nation ahead of their personal safety.
Those sacrifices should be cherished.
That's why we urge all area residents to take at least a few minutes on this Memorial Day to remember those who have died in service to our great nation.
Those mostly young men and women had years and years of life ahead of them, which they willingly put on the line for us.
Make sure that by the end of the day, each of us can proudly say we did our duty by honoring their dedication and sacrifice.
Our war heroes earned it.
