All the parade floats have rolled off into the distance. The solemn veterans ceremonies have left only a peaceful silence. The holiday weekend celebrations are over.

But our passion for our nation’s veterans and the brave men and women who continue to serve their country proudly doesn’t have to fade away with the holiday clamor. We must find a way to grasp this sense of patriotism and community pride. We must hold on to it all year long.

This weekend’s ceremonies and tributes have helped showcase hundreds of soldiers who have, each in their own way, paid a high price for our freedoms.

From the numerous active men and women in military service to the veterans who did their duty to the fallen heroes, Lawrence County and the Tri-State did them all proud by sharing their stories and focusing on the meaning of this holiday.

This past weekend was about men like Cotton Carmon who don’t usually like to talk about their time at war, choosing not to seek any glory for the countless brave actions done in the name of God and country.

It was about men like Bill Washburn who was a POW in World War II but didn’t allow it to dictate how the rest of his life would play out.

It was about heroes like Justin Allen from Coal Grove, a young man who paid the ultimate price while defending our principles of freedom.

For this, all those who serve or have ever served are featured in this week’s “Good News, Good Neighbors” spotlight.

Many of our neighbors are heroes. And our nation is stronger because of them.