Heroes Way helps honor fallen veterans

It's a small token. Nothing can replace them. But for the Missourians who served in Iraq or Afghanistan and paid the ultimate sacrifice, Heroes Way and the state of Missouri are working to keep their memory alive.

Heroes Way recently held a fundraiser in Cape Girardeau. This is an organization founded by local veteran Ross Gartman. A 16-year member of the National Guard, Gartman started the not-for-profit organization in 2008. Heroes Way helps raise money for signs to be installed along Missouri highways and now, thanks in part to the organization and a family of a fallen soldier, in rural areas of Missouri where interstates do not intersect.

At the Cape Girardeau fundraiser, Jim and Susan Jacobs of Ballwin, Missouri, received a copy of the signed bill by State Sen. Wayne Wallingford. The Jacobs encouraged legislators to make the change that allows signs to go in the hometowns of soldiers, regardless of an interstate.

Each sign costs $3,600. Heroes Way helps raise the money to make it possible.

"When we did the first sign, it was extremely powerful," Gartman said. "Every individual soldier has a story, and so do their families. They're all unique in their own way."

To all those who have served in our country's military and to the military families, thank you. Your sacrifice is not forgotten. For those currently serving, we pray for your safe return home.

Every life is precious. We applaud Heroes Way, Ross Gartman and all the supporters for the efforts to honor fallen soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.