It’s hard not to be moved by what you see and hear while covering a story.

It was my pleasure the past few days to attend several different Memorial Day observances, and each managed to tug at my heart, and yes, I even had to surreptitiously wipe a tear or two from my eye. But we journalists don’t have feelings, right?

Forgive me, but how can you not be moved when a room full of people call out name after name of people they’ve known and loved who have died while serving their country? I couldn’t do it.

It’s hard not to be moved when you watch today’s youth — tomorrow’s leaders — walking among the graves looking for the names of veterans who deserve to have a flag next to their tombstone.

The tolling of the bell has very a somber ring when you think of what it symbolizes during the two-bell ceremony in a Memorial Day service of remembrance.

The three-shot volley fired by the Navy’s Honor Guard conjures up images of the many funeral services that have come before, and the many that are still to come.

And the sound of a bugler playing “Taps” on a still, quiet morning can only be described as mournful, but utterly, beautifully moving.

Those are the first images that come to mind as I think back over the past few days.

While you can acquire a thick skin in this business, it’s good to know there are still things that can pierce it.

It’s always good to remember what really matters.

-Kathy Reed, editor