Usually, when I watch the evening news on television, the broadcast about the day's events do not bother me.

However, news of a tragic event, either nationally or locally, upsets me.

Last week, when I watched a broadcast about a man bragging about brutally murdering British soldier Lee Rigby of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, on the streets of London, England, I became angry.

The man, covered in blood, waved around a meat clever and knife and bragged about murdering a soldier in broad daylight on a public street.

Soldiers make the ultimate commitment to serve their countries during disasters and wars.

Because of the men and women serving in the military around the world, and in the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and National Guard in America, we have our freedom.

Last month, members of the National Guard were shown on television jumping over barricades and fences to help people in the Boston Marathon bombing, where more than 260 people were injured and three were killed.

Just last week, the Oklahoma National Guard from the 146th Air Support Operations Squadron helped in the search and rescue efforts in Moore, Okla., after a tornado ripped through the town killing 24 people including nine children.

On Sunday and Monday, there were Memorial Day services at several locations in the Lehigh Valley to honor those who gave their all in service to this country.

Robert M. Fegely VFW Post 8282, Breinigsville, presented its annual service May 27 to remember and honor our fallen heroes.

Several area churches including, St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Fogelsville and Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, and Union United Church of Christ, Neffs, held Memorial Day services, either on Sunday or Monday.

Members of St. John's United Church of Christ, Laurys Station, decorated their church to honor those who lost their lives while serving in the military.

In Salisbury Township, retired Rear Admiral U.S. Navy R. Timothy Ziemer, U.S. global malaria coordinator, was the guest speaker May 26 at Cedar Crest Bible Fellowship's annual Memorial Day service.

One day a year is not enough to honor the men and women in the Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice when serving their country.

Americans may not be able to say thank you to those who gave their lives while serving in the Armed Forces, but we can say thank you to the men and women who have served and who are serving our country today.

Any time you see a member of the military, walk up to him or her and say thank you for the freedom they protected and for all the sacrifices they make serving this country.

Susan Bryant

editorial assistant

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press