Honor our fallen this weekend

This weekend there’s plenty going on. School is letting out for the summer, the annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament is happening and temperatures are expected to be high enough to make plenty of plans for outdoor activities for a three-day holiday weekend.

But remember to keep in mind what we are celebrating on Memorial Day. While we should make time to honor all members of the military for their service, this day is set aside specifically for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and died in active service.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there have been 41,892,128 members in military service during wartime from 1775-1991. Of those, 651,031 have died in battle, 308,800 have died in theater and 230,254 have died in non-theater service. This does not include the current War on Terror, which began in Oct. 2001, and is only a glimpse at what out Armed Forces face when they enlist.

This Memorial Day, whether you know someone who died in active military service or who is currently serving, make some time to attend the ceremonies we have here in Thermopolis honoring our fallen soldiers. Their sacrifice has helped make your life in our country possible.

Though the traditional Hawk’s Avenue of Flags at Monument Hill Cemetery has been marred by events this past week, don’t let the cowardice of those who would attack this display be the focus. Instead, when viewing the Flag this weekend, and throughout the year, let us remember to strength of those who fought, those who died, so that we may live.