It's Memorial Day 2007.  For many of us we will be getting together with family and friends, q'ing in the backyard, and generally having fun.

That's all well and good.  But let's not forget what this day was set aside as a national holiday for:  to honor those members of our Armed Forces who gave their lives in the defense of their families and this country.  Many and still in harm's way.

This morning Joyce and I attend a ceremony here in Clinton of a memorial monument dedicated to veterans of all wars .  Hundreds of other veterans beside myself (US Air Force retired, Vietnam combat) and Joyce (US Navy retired).  In proud attendance were veterans of WW II, Vietnam,  and all our wars and conflicts since.  Many veterans who probably saw no combat at all attended.  After all, many probably considered simply being alive as being a "veteran of wars".  I know I would have.   Joyce's pride in proclaming her veteran status bespoke volumes for her.

There were dignitaries and speeches galore, and just plain folk.  Proudly participating were our own VFW Women's Auxilliary respendent in the powder blue uniforms and cocked caps.  Among thos that I saw were Sisters Mims, Clara Young, and Savage.  There were others that I did not fixate on.

Please take a few moments to dedicate a silent prayer of "thanks" to those who "paid the ultimate sacrifice", and continue to, so we can go on as we always have.

Ed Lowe