'Honor the brave' this Memorial Day

Every Memorial Day there are more flags to fly at cemeteries across our great nation; more wreaths to place, more lives lost to remember.

We set aside this special holiday every May to honor those members of the armed forces who have died in service to their country. Sadly, as the war in Afghanistan grinds on in its 11th year — the longest conflict in U.S. history — it has taken the lives of close to 2,000 American men and women who now join the ranks of the thousands we honor on Memorial Day. Another 4,477 American soldiers died in Iraq.

It’s no secret that these wars have been long and messy, and only recently has a tangible timeline for exiting Afghanistan emerged. As a nation we are war weary, but we must not let any dismay on our part diminish the importance of each and every person who has defended our freedoms through military service.

On Monday the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley will conduct Memorial Day ceremonies around the valley at several cemeteries and veteran memorials. Please make every effort to attend one of the ceremonies and remember our fallen heroes as the haunting melody of “Taps” rings out.

While we honor those soldiers who are no longer with us, it needs to be stressed that there’s so much we can do for our veterans who are still among us, including the many wounded.

According to the Veterans Administration, our World War II veterans are dying at a rate of 740 a day. The average age of these soldiers is now close to 90, but many still are able to tell their stories. Visit the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls or any nursing home in the area and take a few minutes to sit by their sides and listen. In a few years the voices of the Greatest Generation will be gone.

The same sentiment extends to veterans of our other wars, too. Take the time to listen to what our Vietnam veterans experienced; ask those who served in more recent wars how they’re doing, how you can help. War takes a toll physically and mentally. Acknowledge our veterans’ contributions while they’re still living.

And on Memorial Day, no matter where you are, take a few moments to silently salute those brave men and women whose lives were given in our never-ending quest for freedom and peace.