Happy Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day coming up, I've dedicated much of this week's issue of the Ritzville Adams County Journal to local World War II veterans who gave up their lives fighting for America and the freedoms we still enjoy today.

It breaks my heart to know there are still WWII veterans walking among us, witnessing freedoms they fought so hard to protect now on precarious ground.

While Memorial Day is to remember those who never got to take off their uniform, and Veterans Day in November is to honor those who were able to hang up their uniform after time in the service, I've also included the story of a local man who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. I shortened it to fit in the newspaper, but the full article will be posted when this week's issue goes online.

This week was also Law Day, where fifth-graders got to visit the courthouse and meet law enforcement officers. So this issue is also dedicated to other heroes, in addition to military veterans.

I saw a post this morning in my news feed about law enforcement officer Chris Miller, killed in the line of duty on his 47th birthday.

The tribute to him said he was fatally shot while responding to a domestic violence call, found slumped over the steering wheel of his squad car. The tribute said he was a veteran and a survivor of Desert Storm. He had survived war abroad, but wasn't able to survive serving those in his own community.

So as you're thanking those who served in the military, don't forget the men in blue who serve us at home. Like soldiers at war, when they don their uniforms in the morning, they can't be certain they will return home at shift's end.

As you read of WWII veteran Reinhardt J. Keppler in this week's issue, fighting flames and saving comrades on board ship in Guadalcanal despite being mortally wounded, don't forget to think of our local fire fighting volunteers. They drop what they are doing at a moment's notice, and don heavy gear to willingly go into burning buildings to save us from flames of destruction.

As you read of the fifth graders' Law Day and the mock trial they held, be grateful for lawyers and outnumbered politicians willing to fight for our rights.

To all those veterans who gave everything for us, military members currently serving, law enforcement officers dedicated to our safety, and firefighters striving to protect our lands, homes and lives - and the family members who wait for them to return home safely -

Happy Memorial Day.

Katie Teachout is the editor of The Ritzville Adams County Journal. Email her at [email protected].