By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

War has been a part of this nation’s history for generations. Although modern day warfare has rarely touched this soil, United States soldiers have fought many battles.

No matter where or when, on some level at least, the why has stayed the same.

They fought for others. They fought for freedom. They fought to protect a family, whether their’s or someone else’s family.

They fought for the truths that we hold ” to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness (Declaration of Independence),” whether it was their own rights or another’s right that were in danger.

In Chilton County, there have been 106 soldiers died in service to this country from World War I to the present day.

Many have family still in this area.

Each year around this time the same discussion seems to service. What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

Veterans Day honors those soldiers who returned. Those soldiers who are still living. Those soldiers who are still serving.

Memorial Day honors and remembers those who could not return. Those who have never been recovered. Those who are not still living and who can no longer serve.

A specific memorial has been created for those who have never been recovered, listed as missing in action and those who were prisoners of war. It is called the Missing Man table. The table is empty because the POW/MIA cannot join the event. Each item on the table is symbolic of some aspect of the POW/MIA’s life and struggle. Salt represents the family’s tears. The candle represents hope. A lemon slice on the plate represents the bitter things they have endured.

This Memorial Day take time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thank God for the freedoms enjoyed in this country because of the sacrifices of others. Consider praying for the families that have lost loved ones in service to this country.