This past weekend as I looked forward to four days off, I couldn’t help but notice a difference as I drove down 107. I noticed that less people were sporting flags, ribbons, and words of encouragement. What a difference time makes. It is wonderful that those of us who live in rural Western NC are able to return to our daily lives. However, it is important that those of us nestled in the safety of our homes do not forget the price of that safety. At this very moment many heroes from all over the USA and from allied countries as well, are fighting the good fight. Whether flying a mission over Kabul or protecting a domestic airport they are preserving our safety and democracy. Let us not forget too quickly what we felt just 29 days ago. That terror, although horrific has brought communities together as well as political parties, our nation, and the free world. With each strike that we may endure we gain strength that these monsters can only dream of.