Reflection, as they say, is good for the soul.

With so much going on in the world today and with our busy everyday lives, sometimes it’s hard to find time for reflection. When we do, it’s hard to focus on things other than the here and now.

But sometimes it’s good to take a step back and reflect on the bigger picture. There are a couple of opportunities to do that.

First is the American Veterans Traveling Tribute at the Swinomish Casino in Anacortes through Sunday. If you’ve never had the opportunity to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, even this scale model replica is impressive. It is a sobering reminder of the high price of war, and to say it is moving would be an understatement.

Second, the tenth anniversary of Sept. 11 is approaching. It’s hard to believe it has been a decade since that horrible day.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor and North Whidbey Fire Departments will be joining forces for a memorial service at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor. Guest speakers for the event will include Island County Sheriff Mark Brown, Oak Harbor Mayor Jim Slowik, North Whidbey Fire and Rescue Chief Marv Koorn and NAS Whidbey’s commanding officer, Capt. Jay Johnston.

Capt. Johnston was at the Pentagon at the time of the attack; it will be interesting to hear what he shares.

The events of that day bound this country together in a way many of us had never experienced.

With the political climate in Washington, D.C. being what it is today, I can’t help but wonder — and hope — if pausing to reflect on our national tragedy will help politicians remember what’s really important.

-Kathy Reed, editor