Chronicle Editorial

Celebrate Memorial Day the right way
 
On Monday millions of Americans will gather to commemorate the heroes that paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms and liberties. Memorial Day 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 week.
     People fail to realize the holiday’s true meaning far too often. Most celebrate it by breaking out the grill, gathering with friends or simply kicking back and relaxing. While Memorial Day provides a welcome reprieve from the weekly grind, it shouldn’t be used as an excuse to gorge on hamburgers and gulp beers in the backyard – it’s a day of remembrance and should be treated as such.
     Memorial Day started off 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 profound contributions?
     These are simple questions that have equally simple answers. We’re lucky to live in an area that honors the true meaning of Memorial Day with public ceremonies and other services. We’re proud of our veterans and humbled by the sacrifices of those who died in the line of duty. Our nation was founded on principles of freedom and individual liberties, and we should honor those who died protecting our basic rights from the threat of tyranny and oppression. Their sacrifice is one not many could fathom.
     We owe our freedoms to the bravery of the past. By remembering our country’s fallen, we will never forget the ultimate price of our modern day rights and liberties. Please commemorate Memorial Day by attending one of the many ceremonies planned throughout the area. It’s the very least you can do to honor the individuals that died protecting this country.
 
Improving the impaired
 
Iowa’s embattled waterways took another hit last week following the release of the impaired water bodies list. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the number of polluted lakes, rivers and streams in Iowa jumped from 630 to 725 since 2012.
     The announcement fueled ongoing debate raging over statewide pollution. Many groups feel the state isn’t doing enough to protect vulnerable bodies of water from the agriculture industry, while others claim the state has made strides towards improvement. In either case, more intervention tactics are needed on behalf of all entities to stop this trend from worsening.
     Much has been made about Iowa’s voluntary nutrient reduction strategy over the past two years. The plan is a step in the right direction, but it doesn’t go far enough towards curbing troublesome pollution. It’s clear more investment is needed if Iowa is to make worthwhile strides at reducing the list of impaired waterways.
     The Iowa Legislature has batted around a proposal this year that would generate more revenue for conservation projects throughout the state. Lawmakers have suggested raising the state’s 6 percent sales tax by 3/8 of a penny to generate between $120-$180 million for the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund, which was approved by 63 percent of voters in 2010. However, no money has been put into the constitutionally-protected fund in five years.
     Properly financing programs like the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund has the potential to create conservation projects that could lead to improved water quality. It’s clear our state needs to make more efforts to reduce pollution, but if we fail to do so, the list of impaired waterways only promises to grow in the years ahead.