Fourth Monday of May
Editorial

In the paper over the course of the last two weeks the reminder of the true reason for Memorial Day dominated our front pages.

Locally we have remembered the loss of 1st Lt. Ryan Patrick Jones. In West Boylston they have mourned the lost of Spc. Michael Little, and across the country many families have had to endure the same an unbelievable heartache.

The family and friends of soldiers that have lost their lives either in battle or since they have served will always remember those loses. They will know the person, while we remember the service.

Past and present members of the United States military will forever remember the days of their service and those that lost their lives fighting with them. They understand the service, while we can only listen to the stories.

It has been almost 90 years since the end of World War I, more than 60 years since the end of World War II, 54 years since then end of the Korean Conflict and about 42 years since the end of the Vietnam Conflict. And as of today, we have spent more than four years fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Yet even in a time of war, we seem inured to it all. For many, Memorial Day has lost its punch as anything other than marking summer's first long weekend - a time for barbecues, beach, sales and sails.

The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars in both Westminster and Ashburnham will hold their annual tributes. They will honor local servicemen and women by visiting the cemeteries and memorials. They will honor them with speeches, salutes to the flag, but most of all they will honor them by showing up.

If you are in town attend these services and remember with your neighbors - Page 2 for a listing of times in places. If you are out of town attend their local services because while they may not be your neighbor, they or their children could a have fought side by side with a Westminster or Ashburnham resident.

On Monday, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fun stuff that comes with having a day off. But first, take the time to remember the legacy of sacrifice that courses through this country's veins.