“Memorial Day is the special day to honor those in the military who died while serving our country,” our editorial board observed five years ago. “But for many, it also is a time to remember family and friends we have lost.”

“Will you visit the burial place of your passed family members and friends today?” We asked then. “Will you take time to thank, remember or just think about the Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom? Will you truly take time to observe Memorial Day today as something other than the start of summer?”

“Just do something this Memorial Day to acknowledge with love and respect those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of these United States of America and the cause of freedom and peace worldwide,” our editorial board advised 10 years ago. “We can say with total confidence that no country in the world has stood taller and more prominently for the cause of freedom and peace within its boundaries and around the globe than these United States of America. And that only happens with dedicated military personnel.”

“The people behind these uniforms are unique and heroic souls,” our 2016 editorial continued. “They are willing to sacrifice their only lives, if necessary, in the name of whatever cause their country calls them to uphold. That level of heart and dedication to principle is not implanted in everyone.”

We recently reported on efforts by U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pittsburgh, to improve services for veterans entering the civilian workforce. We appreciate McCormick’s work and are grateful for the efforts by state Rep. Jamie Flick, R-South Williamsport, state Rep. Joe Hamm, R-Hepburn Township and state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township to assist veterans in a variety of ways.

It is important that our communities recognize the value and valor of our veterans. It is important, especially this weekend, to recognize the willingness of those who laid down their lives for our nation and its values.

We hope in the coming year, leaders in every community and at all levels of government will consider how our society can best repay our insurmountable debt to veterans and military families.

We also hope that every man, woman and child can reflect on the selflessness of our veterans and how every community and neighbor can express appreciation — all throughout the year — and with a special focus this weekend on the lives tragically lost.