Family and friends joined together about a week ago to record video messages for their loved ones stationed in Afghanistan with the 33rd Infantry Brigade of the Illinois National Guard.

The "shout-outs" were a way to make a connection and, hopefully, boost the spirits of those serving overseas, as well as lifting the spirits of those waiting for them at home.

Family Readiness Group Leader Sherral Wood was "thrilled" with the turnout of about 100 people for the event.

It's easy - too easy - for those of us who don't know someone serving in Iraq or Afghanistan or anyone serving in the military to forget what these soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen are going through in service to our country.

Plenty of us waved our flags and watched fireworks on the Fourth of July. Some of us still have faded ribbon magnets on our cars proclaiming support for our troops. But what have we done lately to demonstrate that support?

Did you even notice flags flying at half-staff at state government buildings last week?

Every time an Illinoisan in the military dies, flags are ordered to be flown at half-staff on the day of the person's funeral and for two days preceding it.

Last week, flags were lowered in honor of First Lt. Derwin Williams of Glenwood and Spc. Christopher Talbert of Galesburg. Williams was killed July 6, along with Spc. Chester Hosford of Ottawa, when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle in Konduz, Afghanistan. Talbert was killed in an attack near Shinbad, Afghanistan.

All three were members of the 33rd Infantry Brigade, which has about 3,000 soldiers serving a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan. Two units from Bloomington and one unit from Pontiac are part of that deployment.

There also are Central Illinoisans serving in other National Guard units across the state as well as in all branches of the active-duty military.

We owe them a debt of gratitude. We owe them at least a passing thought in our busy days.

Do you know someone with a family member serving in Iraq or Afghanistan? Ask them how their loved one is doing. Ask them how they are doing. Offer to mow the lawn or help with another household chore. Invite them to a cookout. Let them know they are not alone. In helping their families, you are also helping those serving overseas.

And if you see a flag flying at half-staff, remember the meaning behind it. Check the Illinois government Web site - www.illinois.gov - and click on "flag honors" to see the names of the fallen.