On Friday, Eagle staff attended the 7th annual Stand Down event at the General Butler Vagabonds Center in Lyndora, where veterans could learn about services that may assist them, collect giveaways and enjoy a meal.

Butler Walmart set up an impromptu shop in the back of the hall, while another vendor gave free haircuts to veterans — and those are just two out of more than 50 vendors that filled the center.

We’ve often reiterated our stance on the importance of showing support to veterans, so this event was truly heartwarming. Without our veterans, we wouldn’t be free to follow our passions — passions that may eventually allow us to give back.

“Anything I can do to help another veteran, I’ll do it. These people went out and put their lives on the line, and they have the right for us to take care of them,” said Dave Walker, Butler County 2022 Veteran of the Year.

Nicely said.

We couldn’t agree more.

We are a community that teaches our children about the sacrifices the men and women who serve our country make. It’s hard for us to imagine someone not bending over backwards to do whatever they can for veterans.

“Veterans are appreciated in Butler County,” said Robert Buckley of Connoquenessing Township, U.S. Navy 1970-78. “You can tell by all the (vendors) who turned out for this event.”

And so we commend everyone involved with the Stand Down event, and we thank the vendors who donated items and offered services.

It’s times like this that make us glad to live in Butler County.

—CM