On Monday, Americans were able to take a moment to give well-deserved thanks to servicemen and women who gave their lives for freedom.

It can be easy to forget the gravity of what these veterans have done and what today’s military members continue to do. Memorial Day is not about boating on the river or having a day off of work; it’s about remembering the reason why Americans have these freedoms.

Beaufort County is home to many veterans who were lucky to make it home, and it’s important to remember to honor them, as well. Whether they died in the line of duty or lived to tell the tale, each and every serviceman or woman deserves thanks. Not only that, the families supporting them back home should be honored for their roles.

Starting all the way back during the Revolutionary War, from World War II to Vietnam, and more recently Iraq and Afghanistan, the military has kept residents safe from conflict, defending the rights of freedom and taking a stand against those who try to usurp that freedom.

Operations at the Daily News are a testament to what those in the service have accomplished. Because of their sacrifices, the staff exercises freedom of the press and freedom of speech every day. Receiving the paper on one’s front stoop or viewing articles online can be easy to take for granted, but not even this community paper would be able to operate if not for the defense of Constitutional freedom.

Praise should not be reserved for just one day. Every day should be treated as Memorial Day. Americans can never repay those who fought, but the least they can do is honor them and recognize the sacrifice.

Because of the sacrifices of the past, America is the great country of today. Daily News staff can print the news without fear of being silenced, and Beaufort County residents can sail the Pamlico in peace.

Thank you, servicemen and women — past, present and future.

Their sacrifices will never be forgotten.