Sometimes we forget that true heroes live among us.

As you enjoy life on Maui and gather with family and friends this holiday weekend, take time to think about the meaning of Memorial Day.

And, in the words of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, a World War II Congressional Medal of Honor recipient for his valor with the U.S. Army’s 442nd Regimental Combat Team, “honor and reflect on the sacrifices made by Americans in combat” on Monday.

He has also said Memorial Day is a time to recognize and thank veterans “for the sacrifices they have made on behalf of our nation.”

Some soldiers from West Maui have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

In a closed ceremony Saturday, Mayor Alan Arakawa will join the West Maui Veterans Club to pay tribute to Lahaina’s War Dead. They include Jay S. Cajimat, Kelly Martin Liberato Bolor, Clarence Aki, Matsuei Ajitomi, Tokio Ajitomo, Jaime Barreto, Vincent Bedoya, Giichi Chinen, Manuel Freitas, Takeo Fujiyama, Katsumi Harada, Masami Higuchi, Susumu Imano, Kenneth Kaaihue, Michael Kaaihue, Lincoln Kaumeheiwa, Sadao Kawamoto, Tadashi Miyahira, Akeji Morinaga, Gary R. Naganuma, Martin Naganuma, Gary A. Nakaima, Kosei Nakamura, Hideichi Nakata, Albert Neizman, Masayoshi Oba, Sanichi Oba, Hiroshi Oku, Masanao Otake, Warren Prescott, Walter Rickard, Nobumi Shibao, Nobuo Shishido, Jiro Suzawa, Hitoshi Taguchi, Tadashi Wakabayashi and Mitsuichi Yoshigai.

Keep these fallen soldiers — as well as citizens now serving in our Armed Forces — in your thoughts and prayers this weekend.