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We owe veterans a debt of gratitude

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” — President Harry S. Truman

On Monday, area residents — and people from across the nation — will take pause to remember those who paid the ultimate price in defense of this great nation.

Memorial Day, which originated as Decoration Day after the Civil War, has long held a special place in the American conscience. It is a time families gather together for fellowship, often visiting the graves of loved ones and gathering for cookouts and fun afterward.

While the family and togetherness aspect is admirable, the true meaning of the day must be honored. No matter one’s political affiliation, all Americans owe this nation’s fallen a debt of gratitude for fighting for the freedoms we all enjoy today.

Throughout history, these men and women went off to war to protect this country, never to see the shining shores of their homeland again.

Unshakable loyalty, patriotism, bravery and fearlessness are but a few words that describe these men and women who have gone to their glorious reward in defense of an ideal and way of life so great that mortal words cannot describe.

Today, The Inter-Mountain kicks off a weekly series titled Unsung Heroes. The feature will run each week from today through Veterans Day. Going forward, the series will publish on the I-M’s Monday front page.

Today’s installment features Roger Ware, a national Marine Corps League staff officer. Ware was gracious enough to share his story and his experiences in the armed services. He faithfully served this country for 32 year, retiring in 1997. Since then, he has been active in the community, especially with the annual Toys for Tots program.

Ware’s military decorations include a Bronze Star with a combat “V,” a Purple Heart (3), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3) and numberous other campaign honors.

Ware is but one of many heroes the newspaper will feature in the coming months.

Without these brave men and women — and those who paid the ultimate price — American would not be the shining beacon it is today.

We truly owe all veterans — both living and those who lost their lives in defense of this nation — a debt a gratitude. While this debt may not be able to be repaid in full, we certainly can put them in a special place in our hearts and minds, making them immortal defenders of the United States of America.

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Memorial Day

Observances

• Elkins: 2 p.m. Monday at the All Veterans Memorial.

• Buckhannon: 11 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

• Buckhannon: 2 p.m. Sunday at Oak Grove Cemetery.

• Buckhannon: Noon Monday at Mt. Union Cemetery.

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UNSUNG HEROES SERIES

To nominate someone for The Inter-Mountain’s Unsung Heroes series, contact Executive Editor Matthew Burdette by telephone at 304-636-2121, ext. 120 or by email at mburdette@theintermountain.com.

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