Our country has been protected and served by many men and women throughout its history. As we have recently remembered 9/11and as we approach our county's bicentennial celebration this fall, the Hickman County Historical & Genealogical Society remembers homegrown heroes.

Locals have run into burning houses, raced ambulances to automobile wrecks, and searched the mighty Mississippi for lost souls. They practice regularly to be prepared when they are needed. They give freely of their time and talents.

Earl Warren told stories of China during World War II. Lindy Henley saw service in Pearl Harbor soon after the Japanese attack that killed so many. Some veterans shared their pictures from Vietnam. A whole company from our area were called to Reserves training in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Other hometown folks have travelled around the world during their stints as soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. Many didn't make it back home, and we honor them for their sacrifice.

During the era of the Korean crisis, William Batts stood guard over a nuclear cannon. Since the cannon weighed roughly eighty-five tons, took two transporter trucks to move, and was inside a military encampment, William, with his usual humor, wondered who was going to be able to move it without getting caught, sentry or no sentry.

Everyone of these friends, neighbors, and family members are our heroes. What an important history to remember. May God bless them all.