Remembering: Their stories are the sunlight behind colors of the flag

Their stories begin with simple facts -- small towns, loving families, a choice to serve.

And for many of the men (and women) we honor today, their lives ended abruptly in a foreign land.

They did not have a chance to enjoy the freedom they lost their lives for -- or to see the liberation of a continent consumed by evil.

But they were there, charging forward with one simple goal -- to fight for those who could not fight for themselves.

And they never came home.

Today is the day we remember them -- and their sacrifice. And as we look at the flags flying in the wind, we can only wonder what the world would have been like without their courage, without their dedication.

And we can hope that they know just how much their sacrifice meant to millions. There is no question that they changed the world -- no matter in what decade they served.

There are thousands of stories of men and women who have lost their lives in combat -- and we should try to remember as many as we can, not just today, but always.

By understanding the losses and honoring the heroes, we make sure that when a decision is made to send troops overseas, we never ever forget the potential cost.

Memorial Day is a family day. Many people use it to reconnect, to share memories and to mark the beginning of summer.

But it is so much more than that -- and always should be.

Freedom comes at a cost -- and it has for generations. Thousands of people have given their lives during each of the conflicts that have shaped the world -- and they are still giving their lives today.

It is our job to do more than just fly a flag.

It is our job to make sure that the country, the freedom and the principles they fought, and died, for are cherished.

That is how you honor heroes.

Published in Editorials on May 25, 2015 10:42 AM