Page four of this section is an American flag. We ask readers to post this flag – sponsored by Sugar River Bank based in Newport – in the window of their home or vehicle to reinforce the message and meaning of Memorial Day.

The American flag encompasses all the passion, respect and pride Americans take in their freedoms. These freedoms have come – and continue to come – at a cost in lives. Part of Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as some call it, is to honor those who have paid the ultimate price for freedom. It also allows families to gather to remember beloved relatives who have passed and serves as an opportunity to improve and beautify area cemeteries.

We hope you take the time to utilize the flag and post it to demonstrate your patriotism and respect for this solemn holiday. Let it be a sign of local unity in honoring our Veterans, their organizations and the communities we all hold so dear.

We invite residents in the 29 communities we serve to send us your photos and memories of this year’s events, ceremonies and traditions in your communities. We will share these in future editions of the paper and include them as part of next year’s section.

The staff of the Eagle Times is proud to bring this special section to the community. We wish everyone a safe and active Memorial Day weekend. Thank you for the courtesy of your time and readership.