Memorial Day: Honor the dead
Inter Lake editorial
Don't overlook Memorial Day as you rush headlong into the first big three-day weekend of the season. Too often we're so anxious to get out into the great outdoors after a long winter - and this year an abnormally cool spring - that we forget this important day to honor our fallen veterans.
On Memorial Day we remember those who have died serving and protecting the United States, from the 407,000 who died in World War II and the 58,000 who died in Vietnam, to more than 4,580 who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years.
Every year the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley pay tribute and present military honors at various cemeteries around the area. Please consider attending one of these ceremonies this year (a list of Memorial Day events is on Page A6).
Our soldiers and other military personnel who have died in service to their country made the greatest sacrifice; we must never forget that.
The Kalispell City Council used common sense this week in deciding that the buffer zone between liquor and churches didn't make sense when the bar or restaurant is located in the downtown business district.
Up till now, it would not be possible for a bar or restaurant to serve hard liquor if a church or school was located within 600 feet.
That's a wonderful idea in residential neighborhoods to ensure a safe, secure environment for children and churchgoers, but it makes absolutely no sense downtown.
As a matter of fact, Kalispell needs more establishments downtown in order to keep foot traffic high and to provide a customer base for the retail shops located there. Churches can have a place anywhere, but if they locate in a business district, then they should adjust accordingly.
Fortunately, the City Council saw it that way, too, and to protect schoolchildren, they kept a 300-foot buffer for schools in place as well.
Congratulations to the Class of 2008 from Flathead Valley Community College.
More than 200 FVCC students received associate degrees and certificates last week during commencement ceremonies in Kalispell.
The college commencement kicks off the local graduation season. Next week a series of high school graduation ceremonies begin.