What is Memorial Day?

The beginning of summer?

A three-day weekend?

No, Memorial Day is something more.

It’s a day to honor, to remember, to recognize the sacrifice of all those men and women who died defending our country.

And while Memorial Day events across the county and country are cancelled in the continued COVID-19 precautions and social distancing, we can still honor the day ourselves, in our own ways.

Inside the paper today, you’ll find our annual Salute To Veterans, full of photos and names of veterans who have served our country. Stretching back more than a decade, our area has a long history of military service.

Sit down and spend some time with it.

Check out Cecil Westbrook’s sharp Hawaiian shirt.

Consider Bue William King, staring off to his right as the photographer snapped a picture.

Consider Charlie L. Roberson, what he was doing just before this picture and where he was in the months afterwards.

See Edsel Harrel’s straight forward look into the camera, decades after he fought in the Army in World War II.

Consider Eileen B. Campbell, the no-nonsense look she gives.

Filiberto A. Hernandez, his old black and white photo the color of memories.

Garnett J. Jones, his flying goggles resting above his eyes.

Glenn S. Holmes, his picture worn in places, but who among us isn’t?

Homer Rankin’s bright, pink-cheeked smile.

Hulus Key, his face half hidden beneath his hat.

Jack Stone, standing straight, the sun coming in off to his right.

Jacqueline Riner, with enough medals, ribbons and awards to blind you in broad daylight.

Almost a full page of James: James Abel, James Dunn, James Eason, James O. Golden, James Wright Warren.

John James Filly, staring out from more than a century ago.

Julian Bennett, just a few photos down from Ken H. Hancock, both young Marines.

Lemmie J. Willis, his MP helmet cocked slightly to the side.

Mariah Fletcher Carrington, her grin matched by Marvin Benson, Marvin Dunn and Mary Mason Barkloo Beaudry.

Michelle Sumner, giving two thumbs up.

Robert Burnett, in such crisp black and white he could be an actor in the 1940s.

Robert Wayne Duffell, helmet in hand.

William Lawson, in what looks like an astronaut suit.

Willie Nichols Jr., looking straight ahead into what comes next.

So many men and women have unselfishly sacrificed by leaving their homes, being separated from their families, putting themselves in harm’s way, and in far too many cases, dying for the cause of freedom.

On Monday, we pay tribute and remember those who made that sacrifice, defending and protecting our nation.

And we should continue to do so, today and every day.

That’s Memorial Day.