Chronicle Editorial

Sayonara, seniors!
 
     It’s time to say goodbye to the newly-minted Class of 2016. Though graduation season always brings with it a mixed bag of emotions, it’s an exciting time for these young adults as they prepare to make their mark on the world.
     Some of you may be heading to college, entering the workforce or taking a moment to figure everything out. Either way, it’s important for you to remember a few key pieces of advice as you move on to the next step in life.
     • Remember to thank your parents. They’ve helped mold you into the person you are today and deserve some recognition for their efforts. Show it to them by working hard, living a good life and remembering the lessons they taught you.
     • Learn from your mistakes. There’s really no point in dwelling on your past blunders, because you’re certainly going to make many more throughout your lifetime. What’s important is to learn from those mistakes and move forward as a better, smarter person.
     • Don’t be afraid to fail. If everyone lived in fear of failing, nothing would get done in life. At least when it’s over you can say you tried. You’ll be better for it, and the lessons learned from that failure will be invaluable even if it’s hard to realize immediately.
     • Be kind to others. There’s really no point in being a jerk, so don’t be one.
     • Remember your roots. Though some of you may be ready to leave Franklin County and never look back, it’s important to realize how lucky you were to grow up here. It’s a supportive community that only wants the best for its youth. Remember all the friends, memories and good times you had while living here.
     • Keep an open mind. Things, places, opinions and cultures will be much different once you move outside of Franklin County. That isn’t scary, but rather a chance to learn and experience new things. That’s really what life is about.
     We wish our graduating seniors the best of luck in their next adventure. Keep these things in mind as you move on, but don’t be a stranger. Your family, friends, teachers, neighbors and coaches will all miss you once you’re gone, and we have a feeling you’ll miss them too.
     Congratulations, Class of 2016!
 
Honoring the fallen
 
     Editor’s note: A portion of this editorial originally ran in the May 20, 2015 edition of the Hampton Chronicle.
     Millions of Americans will gather Memorial Day to commemorate the heroes that paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms and liberties. The holiday gives us a chance to reflect on past conflicts while showing appreciation for those who gave their lives, and we encourage you to express your gratitude by honoring these brave men and women next Monday.
     People fail to realize the holiday’s true meaning far too often. Most celebrate by breaking out the grill, gathering with friends or simply kicking back and relaxing. However, it’s a day of remembrance and should be treated as such.
     Memorial Day began as a somber day of tribute; a day when Americans wore poppies and placed flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes. It was a day to remember ancestors, family members and loved ones who died serving our country. But now, too many people neglect the real purpose and meaning of the day. How do we honor the 1.8 million men and women that sacrificed their life for America? How do we thank them for their brave contributions?
     These are simple questions with equally simple answers. We’re lucky to live in an area that honors the true meaning of Memorial Day with many public ceremonies and other services. By remembering our country’s fallen, we will never forget the real price of our modern day rights and liberties. Please commemorate Memorial Day by attending one of the programs planned throughout the area this weekend. It’s the very least you can do to honor the individuals that died protecting this country.