To all of those who took time out of their busy holiday weekend or Monday to honor our country’s fallen soldiers in some way.

These heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms and they should be remembered for what they’ve done for us.

*****

To those who make the daily operations and the special events at Veterans Park a success.

These events bring in visitors and tourists on a regular basis to the Mount Airy and Surry County area and in turn, boost our tourism numbers and revenue, helping keep people in the area employed.

*****

To all the seniors who competed in the Yadkin Valley Senior Games this year.

Staying active is a great way to stay healthy, and these seniors should be an example to those of us, young and old, of what we should be striving to do more often.

Whether they placed in first place or in last place, they all are winners for getting out and getting active.

*****

To all of this year’s graduates, high school and college, for battling through tough classes, exams and projects in order to become more knowledgeable, contributing members of the community.