Consider those who have made incredible sacrifices, or are continually making sacrifices, for the sake of others. National Supreme Sacrifice Day on March 18 is a day to honor them.

It is important to recognize the sacrifices of others and they should inspire us. On National Supreme Sacrifice Day, we tend to notice the sacrifice of soldiers as a group, but this day also gives us the opportunity to honor individuals who have risked their lives to help a neighbor, a friend, or even a stranger.

We hear stories of people who rush into burning buildings to save others or who save children from drowning and lose their own lives in the process. We read about first responders who risk their lives every day on the front lines in the military, during forest fires and around the world. During the pandemic, several medical professionals sacrificed their own health, and sometimes their life, by exposing themselves to infected patients in order to heal them.

We should always appreciate the hard work of doctors, firefighters, police officers, and more who risk their lives for our country and for our sake. Take time to celebrate this day by visiting the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery at 5810 Midway Road in Dixon. Go to https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/sacramento.asp to learn more.

Maybe you want to reach someone more specifically. You could write a letter to a family who has lost a loved one and show your support and gratitude for the sacrifice their loved one made. You could also share on social media an example of someone who paid the supreme sacrifice. Let’s try to let people know that these sacrifices have not been in vain.