Every day in some way Memorial Day is in our hearts, thoughts of men and women who gave their lives for the United States. The word "united" is what they defended. Let's also remember firefighters who have saved lives but lost their own. Chances of occupational cancer are high. On a holiday that symbolizes remembrance of the fallen, we hold up those who defended and protected us with fatal consequences to themselves. Let's do our part to defend and protect our military and firefighters. By Suzette Martinez Standring