President Barack Obama and many other people across our country appropriately and solemnly paused one day last week to remember the supreme sacrifice made by two Korean War soldiers more than half a century ago.
The president posthumously presented the United States' highest military honor - the Medal of Honor - to two Army privates who died as heroes in the war.
One of the recipients was Pvt. Anthony T. Kaho'ohanohano, of Pukalani, Hawaii.
Enemy forces overwhelmed his machine-gun squad on Sept. 1, 1951. But he fought alone, using hand grenades and his gun, until he finally ran out of ammunition. Then he fought the enemy hand to hand until he was killed.
Also receiving the honor was Pvt. Henry Svehla, of Belleville, N.J.
When his platoon came under intense fire on June 12, 1952, he courageously charged the enemy's position. He died after throwing himself on a grenade to protect his fellow soldiers.
Words can never fully express the gratitude that we should all feel toward such heroes.
Nevertheless, we gladly acknowledge the debt that we owe them for giving their lives in the cause of freedom.