Every year, Black History Month is celebrated across the U.S. — Beaufort County is no exception. All one has to do is walk into the Washington Waterfront Underground Railroad Museum to learn exactly how rich black history is in the area, from freed slave and shipbuilder Hull Anderson to Civil War heroics by black troops serving in the Union Army, as well as how Washington served as a starting point or waystation to slaves on their way North to freedom.

More recently, a little over 100 years ago, a black firefighter became the first man recorded to die in the line of duty. His name was Edward Peed and he was a nozzleman for the all-black Salamander Fire Company. On Feb. 8, 1902, Peed and many others responded to the “Big Fire” in downtown Washington, only to lose his life later while he was checking to make sure the fire was out. For many years, he has been celebrated for his selflessness and sacrifice.

Just as Peed is celebrated in February, so is National Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week, an occasion first recognized in 1933, when a Catholic priest named Hugh L. McMenamin decided to devote himself to promoting understanding among people of all cultures and religions.

And then there’s Human Relations Month, which also falls to February and is promoted by the local Human Relations Council, a group that continues to foster beliefs, ideals and values that give purpose to life, which is very much about living together harmoniously. These volunteers take the time to address the issues that affect all, recognizing that all deserve dignity and respect and finding ways to express differences.

Just as Ed Peed was a Washington hero, so are these others who do the work and address the difficult subjects. They should be celebrated not just one month of the year, but all year long.