A rose of remembrance this Memorial Day weekend for those who, as Lincoln described it, gave “their last full measure of devotion” to the service of our country.
By one estimate, 1.3 million men and women have given their lives in service, an enormous sacrifice when the toll of grief by the family and loved ones those soldiers left behind is also taken into account.
Although there is some debate, Columbus stakes a strong claim as the place where Memorial Day originated.
On April 25, 1866, a group of Columbus women went to Friendship Cemetery to “decorate” (The day was called Decoration Day until after World War I) the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers interred there. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed a national holiday by an act of Congress in 1971.
Amid all of the activities typical to a long holiday weekend, we should pause to remember with sober appreciation the sacrifices of our fallen heroes through our nation’s long history.
A rose to East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi University for Women for working together to ensure EMCC students who transfer to The W will be given full credit for their coursework in the community college’s manufacturing-tech program. MUW will accept up to 43 technical credits in addition to academic coursework, allowing EMCC’s Manufacturing Technology and Engineering graduates to make the transition more easily and begin working toward a university degree.
When our community colleges and universities work together, it benefits not only the students whose path may wind through both campuses, it enriches the community by giving students more and better options as they begin their college careers.
A rose to Mississippi State’s baseball team on what is already a historic season with games still yet to play.
MSU bowed out of the Southeastern Conference Tournament Friday, but that hardly dampens the excitement the Bulldogs have created this season. Last weekend, MSU achieved what had never been done previously in the SEC — going from dead last in the regular season to out-right first in consecutive seasons. In doing so, the Bulldogs captured their first SEC baseball championship in 29 years and 11th overall for the proud MSU program. It is often said that it is not getting knocked down that matters most: It’s getting back up. The Bulldogs did that in a big way and now look forward to the NCAA playoffs. They are virtually assured of being the host for one of next week’s NCAA Regionals. So the Bulldogs aren’t finished yet, not by a long shot, if their performance this year is any indicator.
A rose to the workers and job providers of the Golden Triangle. Although Labor Day — the day America honors its workers — isn’t until September, news this week on the unemployment front certainly warrants our attention. According to the April jobless statistics, all four Golden Triangle counties have unemployment rates that are the lowest in 10 years or more. The jobless rate in Noxubee County in April was the lowest its been in 19 years. Lowndes and Clay counties haven’t seen rates this low in 15 years. Oktibbeha County’s rate hasn’t been this low in 10 years and hasn’t been lower in 15 years. When citizens find work, it not only strengthens our economy, it affects our community positively in myriad ways. Good job, workers — literally.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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