N.C. National Guardsman Brett Miller plays Taps with the Rowan County Honor Guard during the Memorial Day ceremony at the Hefner VA Medical Center National Cemetery in Salisbury. Photo by Wayne Hinshaw, for the Salisbury Post

“Just think of what it cost us to be free.”

— David Hand, head of Rowan County Veterans Council, on  Memorial Day

“Memorial Day brings back memories of the brothers I lost. It isn’t a pleasant memory.”

—Edward Stever, 96, Fayettteville veteran, at the Rowan Memorial Day observance

“I think this is too big of an issue to make it strictly on a cost basis. We are talking about religious views and personal rights.”

— Jim Greene, vice chair, Rowan commissioners, on considering whether to appeal the court decision on prayer at board meetings

“This is just home.”

— Leonard Hall, R. A. Clement School grad, who is president of the school’s advisory council and mows the lawn

“Every time we improve the quality of life here, I see it as economic development.”

— Lane Bailey, city manager, on increased funding for arts and recreation.

“I cannot tolerate the thought of a hungry child.”

— Carol Herndon, executive director, Food for Thought