Just about every year, ahead of Veterans Day and ahead of Memorial Day, our editorial board notes that the role our veterans and our armed services have fulfilled in securing the American dream for our communities deserves to be honored and recognized throughout the year.

We believe it is a point worth repeating.

This, of course, especially goes for the 250th anniversary of America and the 250th Fourth of July.

The Sun-Gazette is proud to present the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus in concert Monday at the Journey Bank Community Arts Center. The Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus continues a tradition, dating back through the use of drum corps in the Revolution and the founding of this itineration in 1946.

As critical as our armed services were at some of the most pivotal moments in our nation’s 250 years, the level of commitment men and women enlisted in our armed services offer our nation is staggering. We appreciate the armed services’ commitment, in turn, to providing the sense of community and quality of life evident in organizing bands and choruses — and we appreciate the opportunity to share this tradition with our communities in Lycoming County and the surrounding region.

We believe our region benefits from a greater understanding of the culture and traditions of our armed services. We believe it is a fitting expression of gratitude for their service to devote part of our region’s efforts to offering them a platform for their talents.

We hope our communities, in this momentous year, celebrate the occasion with family and friends — whether that is at the Army Field Band’s concert Monday, or the community concert in Brandon Park June 27 at 6 p.m. or Jersey Shore’s Town Meeting or Fourth of July fireworks in Hughesville, Montgomery or elsewhere.