“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