Although Memorial Day has already come and gone, with its barbecues, lazy days off and trips to the beach, we just felt compelled to remind our readers again of the holiday’s real meaning.

Recently, we ran a story about Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Bivens of Alabaster, currently on his third tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Iraq. Bivens said he believes those who choose to wear soldiers’ uniforms are marking themselves as the best and the brightest, and we have to agree.

Those who choose to defend our country do so not knowing if their time on active duty will be a time of peace or of war. Our world is an uncertain one, and our soldiers are our defenders as well as our ambassadors. They defend and uphold our good name across the globe, and that’s not an easy job.

Whatever their reasons for doing so, whether it be to further an education, to travel or as part of a family tradition, they deserve our thanks and support every day of the year.

For Bivens’ family, every day is Memorial Day, as they remember their brave son, brother, husband and father. Bivens himself will soon know how they feel, for his son, Lamorris, recently joined the Air Force.

We pray that both of the Bivens boys make it home safely, just like we do with every Shelby County citizen in the armed forces. They have given everything they have for the opportunity to represent the United States and Shelby County, and we are truly proud.