It was hard to believe last week that even the discovery that 300 flagpoles were missing from the Lawrence Veterans of Foreign Wars post would keep the flags from flying at Memorial Park Cemetery this weekend.

We just knew someone would step up and help sustain this longstanding local tradition — and they did.

It’s disappointing, of course, that the flagpoles were missing, or perhaps stolen, from the post’s property at 138 Ala., but it was heartening that it took only a matter of hours for the Lawrence community to offer the VFW a helping hand. With the help of donations from the Lawrence Sertoma Club and the Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, the VFW was able to buy 25 new poles and get them ready to display at the cemetery for Memorial Day. The VFW hopes to raise about $8,500 to replace all 300 poles in time for Memorial Day 2013.

The people who stepped up to help maintain this tradition demonstrated not only a great community spirit but also a well-deserved reverence for the military veterans the flags are intended to honor. Although Memorial Day has evolved into an occasion to remember and honor all the loved ones who have gone before us, it was established and continues to serve a special role in honoring U.S. military veterans and especially those who gave their lives in service to their country.

In recent years, it seems that Americans have developed a renewed appreciation for the men and women in uniform. The move to an all-volunteer military force has meant that many families have no immediate members in the service, but that hasn’t diminished — perhaps it has even heightened — their respect for those who are willing to accept the challenge and stresses that go with military service.

For all those who serve now and have served before, making sure the flags are flying on Memorial Day as a symbol of our support is the least we can do. Thanks to those who made it happen.