On this Memorial Day weekend, think of Robert Stacey Goodwin and Dan Thomas Malcom Jr.

And while you’re are thinking of those men, think of the thousands and thousands of others like them—regular men and woman just doing their duty as American soldiers, sailors or Marines—just regular men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

U.S. Marine 1st Lt. Thomas of Brinson is the latest war casualty from Decatur County—killed on Nov. 10, 2004, as a result of enemy action in Iraq.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Goodwin was killed on Sept. 20, 2004, in Afghanistan when his vehicle came under fire from enemy forces.

Thomas and Malcom were soldiers killed while serving the United States in its latest wars—wars that are sometimes questioned after blood—especially the blood of our young men and women—are spilled.

For reasons that deserve the utmost respect, the young men and women in our armed services decide to join—sign up for whatever is dished out to them. Some come back, some come back wounded and some don’t come back.

So on this Memorial holiday—think of them. Think of Army Staff Sgt. Robert Stacey Goodwin and Marine 1st Lt. Dan Thomas Malcom. And while you’re thinking of them, pray for the safe return of our soldiers now serving overseas.