Paying tribute to our heroes

The recent deaths of two Montana soldiers in Afghanistan are stark reminders of the overall losses of American military personnel through history, to be somberly recognized on Memorial Day.

Army Pfc. Nicholas Cook of Hungry Horse was killed in action in March, and Staff Sgt. Shane Bernard, who was raised in Havre and Great Falls, died earlier this month.

Bernard died while attempting to defuse an improvised explosive device on May 19. A total of 36 Montana service members, including several from Northwest Montana, have made the ultimate sacrifice in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They join thousands of Americans who have lost their lives in those campaigns and conflicts that have been remembered since “Decoration Day” was first proclaimed in 1868.

Americans have never taken the sacrifice of their soldiers lightly, perhaps because this nation was founded on the blood of patriots.

Don’t forget that in declaring themselves free, John Hancock and the other signers of the Declaration of Independence acknowledged that “with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

Many lives have been tragically lost in the ensuing centuries, fortunes have been spent, but thus far we retain as a nation “our sacred honor.” May it always be so.

Local residents should fly the American flag, and consider a visit to one of many ceremonies that will be held on Monday by veterans groups and others. A listing of local events is found in today’s Daybook on Page A2.

It is a holiday most faithfully observed by those who have served in the military or have lost friends and loved ones in war, but it should be an important day to all Americans.