Thanks for the memories: We really do not ever forget that without you, there would be no us ...

Some of you have been with us for decades, while others are relatively new friends.

We have shared many stories together over the years.

We have helped you chronicle Wayne County's proudest moments and wept with you when tragedy has struck our community -- or our nation.

We have those embarrassing pictures of you from high school and have allowed you to mark every event in your lives from your wedding days and the births of your children to the day when you had to say goodbye to a loved one.

Sometimes you get mad at us and sometimes you are right there with us. We know that there will be days when we will have to agree to disagree. We respect what you think about your world, your nation and your community.

We value your thoughts and your dreams -- your goals for your community and the hope that you will leave a world that is better than the one you have lived in for your children and grandchildren.

We have loved listening to your stories and being a part of your lives -- and you have taught us much about life, love and what is really important. You would be surprised how many times looking at the world through your eyes has changed our own lives. For that, we will be forever grateful.

We share a common bond -- a common goal, a common calling, a common focus.

It is simple really: We love Wayne County.

We know it has its faults -- and like you, we hope that by paying attention to them, we can make this community better, stronger.

We want to hold public officials accountable -- all of them -- and to make sure they remember that the best part of North Carolina is outside the Raleigh beltline.

And best of all, we want to be the voice for the people of eastern North Carolina -- in Raleigh and in Washington, D.C.

Today, as we celebrate our 125th anniversary, we thank you for allowing us the chance to do jobs we love and to create a piece of our community's history.

We have loved sharing your stories.

As we move into the next quarter century, we will continue to work to make The Goldsboro News-Argus not only one of the best newspapers in state, but also to remember that we will always be our community's voice.

That is a calling we are proud to answer.

Published in Editorials on April 7, 2010 10:40 AM