Heroes honored: Purple Heart recipients carried courage into battle

We will never understand what they went through or what they live with today.

But the county's Purple Heart recipients can teach us a couple of lessons -- especially as we look at continuing strife and challenges overseas.

They can teach us that courage can come from any corner where there is a man whose first thought is not for himself, but for his comrades and his country.

They can teach us that freedom is not free, and that we must fight to protect it.

And they can remind us that the flag that we fly is a symbol not only of this great nation, but also a tribute to the thousands of heroes who have given their lives to protect it.

We cannot ever really thank these heroes -- and others like them -- for their service.

But we can honor them and those who did not make it home by remembering.

We have been charged with protecting the nation they love and with making sure it stands strong and united. That is our mission.

And it is one that must be met with resolve and honor -- no matter what.

Published in Editorials on August 8, 2014 11:11 AM