To soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country’s freedoms.

As Memorial Day approaches on Monday, we pause to remember the real reason we celebrate the holiday.

Observed on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day was created to honor the men and women who died serving in the U.S. military.

Originally known as Decoration Day to honor the large numbers of Civil War dead, the day became known after World War I as a day to honor all fallen service members who gave their lives. In 1971, an act of Congress made Memorial Day what it is today.

This weekend, in between get-togethers with family or friends or other activities, don’t forget to pay tribute to these heroes.

We encourage you to attend one of the area Memorial Day services. See Page X for a summary of these services.

 

To the Albert Lea Fire Department’s reassurance call-in program.

Hats off to Albert Lea firefighters, who head up the reassurance call-in program, which helps with the safety of at least a few dozen people in the community.

Under the program, participants are to call in every morning. If firefighters do not receive a phone call before 11 a.m., the fire department calls them. If there is no answer, firefighters will stop at their home for a welfare check.

This program provides piece of mind, not only for the participants, but their families as well.

Thanks, firefighters, for your diligence to this program.

 

To Albert Lea’s new bike sharing program.

Don’t have a bike but want to get out and enjoy Albert Lea’s outdoor opportunities?

Two bike share stations are now in place — one at Frank Hall Park and one in the North Broadway parking lot near the splash pad — where people can rent a bike for $2 an hour.

Created by Albert Lean Bill Howe, the program allows rentals to be made online at www.iBikePort.com. Howe has previously brought self-serve stations for kayaks, disc golf, horseshoes and pickleball to the community.

The bike stations were funded through the Freeborn County Public Health Statewide Health Improvement Partnership and will be owned by the city and managed by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Kudos to this program, and we look forward to seeing it in use.

 

To Albert Lea graduates continuing their athletic careers.

Seven Albert Lea seniors will continue their athletic careers into the next level following their graduations last week. Zach Glazier, Nic Cantu, Jaxon Heilman, Charley Fleek, Cole Wentzel, Emily Taylor and Cristian Garcia excelled in their respective sports throughout their high school days and have chosen to keep those paths open. Congratulations to all seven recent graduates, and best of luck in all their future endeavors.