Americans across the country will gather today in solemn ceremonies at cemeteries and monuments to pay tribute to our country's fallen service men and women.

From Bunker Hill to the Marne, through Normandy and Inchon to Falujah and Anbar Province, U.S. military forces have performed their duties with courage, honor and self-sacrifice – often at the cost of their lives as they repeatedly answered the call to defend their nation and the rights its citizens hold so dear.

As in the past several years, the observance of Memorial Day seems all the more important with members of the U.S. military in the line of fire in the battle zones of Iraq and Afghanistan. They are carrying on a proud tradition that has been passed on through time as each new generation heeds the call of duty.

The holiday has extra special meaning this year in the Twin Counties, where Memorial Day ceremonies will be conducted for the first time at the new Veterans Memorial at Jack Laughery Park on North Church Street.

The setting aside of just one day each year to remember those who gave their lives for their country seems too little of a commemoration for honoring the brave soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen who sacrificed all so that their nation could survive and prosper.

And that's all the more reason to take the time today to honor the fallen heroes who paid with their lives to ensure that the people of this nation continue to live in freedom.