On Monday, May 28, we honor the memory of men and women who have lost their lives while defending our country.

Many of us remember when it was called Decoration Day because families went to cemeteries to place flags and flowers on soldiers’ graves.

The community of Austin is very fortunate to have the wonderful veteran groups, who work so hard to pay tribute to their fallen comrades. Simply by being in their presence, one feels what courage is. The events start early, 6:50 a.m., and schedules will be in newspapers and The Shopper. It is the least we can do, to honor them.

One event is sadly passed by. Honoring the Navy, Marine and Coast Guard service members, who perished at sea. We have been told few, if any, show up to honor them. They deserve better. This tribute is around 10:05 a.m., at the Horace Austin State Park Bridge, east of the Community Bank.

Virginia Locher
Austin