The dedication of the Freeborn County Veterans Memorial on the lawn of the courthouse is indeed a major event in the history of our city and county. That the governor of Minnesota will be present for the ceremony is one indication of its importance.

We can&8217;t emphasize enough that residents of Freeborn County should attend the dedication on Memorial Day and the parade that proceeds it.

The courthouse lawn in any county seat is a special place. It belongs to the people &8212; a place to gather, a place for protests, a place for democracy, a place for reflection and a place for learning.

And like how memorials and monuments on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., are meant for posterity, so are memorials and monuments on a courthouse lawn. That we as a community placed this memorial there signifies how much we value our military veterans. We are telling our grandchildren and their grandchildren about the gallant sacrifices made to bring them all that they have.

Veterans memorials say to future generations this: When you visit this building of democracy, when you engage in this street of commerce and when you enjoy this place of recreation, be thankful to the people who made it all possible.

Some gave their time. Some gave their limbs. Some gave their lives.

Our military veterans and the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines serving now are who made this country free and who have kept this country free. They are why America has enjoyed domestic tranquility in a world full of wars.

They are why we, the people, had better make the most of our lives, because they fought at the fronts for freedom. Peace at home has been a fruit of wars abroad.

Salute your veterans and honor your community by attending the dedication Monday.

The parade in downtown Albert Lea on Memorial Day goes from the East Annex of the Albert Lea Medical Center and ends at the Freeborn County Government Center. It starts at 1:30 p.m. The dedication of the Freeborn County Veterans Memorial is at 2:30 p.m.

When you are there, no matter what else you do, be sure to do one thing: Thank a veteran.