To mark Memorial Day, the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners invited Louis E. Dieruff High School’s Air Force Junior ROTCs C/SM Sgt. Jesus Hernandez, C/2nd Lt. Corie Reid, C/Technical Sgt. George Ramirez and C/Technical Sgt. Keysha Vazquez to present the colors at the start of the May 22 meeting.

The Air Force cadets said they were excited about the commissioners’ invitation.

“We practiced hard to accomplish this event,” Reid said.

The cadets won 23 trophies in competitions this academic year. They also work hard to promote the benefits of being an Air Force cadet. Fellow Cadet C/2nd Lt. Angel Garcia said getting the word out on the benefits of this program is important, and they hope to peak the interest of others.

Their sense of responsibility, promptness and academic record were the key factors in being selected out of 70 cadets of their high school to present to the board.

“We have a lot of reasons to be proud of them this evening,” Chairman Geoff Brace said after the presentation.

Lehigh County Director of Veterans Affairs Thomas Applebach, a veteran of 21 years, highlighted the importance of Memorial Day. He spoke about the brotherhood of those who put their lives on the line for freedom.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re from or who you are or religion, especially when it comes to combat,” Applebach said. “I got your back; you got mine.”

Holding back tears, Applebach told the story of three of his friends lost in action and the importance of remembering them.

“We as citizens owe a debt to all of our service members,” Applebach noted.