It is a great honor for Lawrence to play host this weekend to a reunion of U.S. Army Rangers from World War II.

The national reunion has brought more than 150 Rangers and family members to town to swap stories and renew acquaintances.

LeRoy Button, 91, joked from his wheelchair, “We come here to see each other and hear the same damned old stories.”

He may be right, but those stories of service and heroism deserve to be told again and again.

It was wonderful to see photos in Friday’s Journal-World of the veterans laughing and talking with current members of the First Ranger Training Platoon. Sharing their stories is a way to pass the torch to the young soldiers whose presence at the reunion was a well-earned show of respect to those who served before them.

There are only about 50 World War II Rangers at this year’s reunion. Their numbers are dwindling and those who survive all are in their 80s or 90s. They are aware that it won’t be long before there will be no one left to share personal memories of World War II.

That’s why it’s so important to hear their stories now and make sure those stories aren’t forgotten.

Welcome to Lawrence, Rangers, and thanks for your service.