As newspaper reporters, we are asked to convey through words and photographs the daily happenings in our region.

That often includes triumphs, deaths and crime. Or, as I commonly call it, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Perhaps at no point throughout the yearly news cycle are there more opportunities than now to capture the moment.

For starters, we just wrapped up our coverage of innumerable Memorial Day services and events over a broad area.

Having reported on Lehighton’s Memorial Day services, I can tell you firsthand that patriotism is alive and well.

A good many families brought their children to the upper Lehighton Park Amphitheater, most of whom were clad in some form of red, white and blue attire.

Of those, a good many were holding and waving their flags, images that can be viewed on various photo galleries that have been posted on our website.

Overall, attendance was up, as attested to by borough Mayor Clark Ritter, who said he would like to see even more people turn out at next year’s event.

After the main service, those who were able proceeded to Lehighton Cemetery, where military honors were rendered.

The group then went to American Legion Post 314 for the flag raising ceremony and conclusion of Memorial Day services/honors.

With Memorial Day barely in our rear view, it was time to turn the page and shift our focus to high school graduation ceremonies.

Marian Catholic, Northern Lehigh, Northwestern Lehigh, Palmerton, Pleasant Valley and Weatherly all held their commencement exercises last evening.

For Northern Lehigh graduates, the time to close one chapter and begin another is upon them, as stressed during several graduation speeches.

Joined by their fellow classmates and families, the newly-minted alumni were encouraged to put their best foot forward and aim for the stars.

From this point on, it is up to them to take the necessary steps to further their academic careers to forge their next path in life.

The smiles and looks of excitement on the seniors’ faces were priceless as their names were called and they proudly accepted their diplomas.

Afterward, graduates anxiously sought out the comfort of family and friends who were more than happy to embrace them in their moment of joy.

What followed was a mob of hugs, flower bouquets and high-fives, images that can be viewed on various photo galleries that will be posted on our website.

Yet still more of these moments have been captured in our upcoming graduation tab, which will be included as an insert in our June 22 publication.

If nothing else, events such as these are what bring home the importance of capturing the moment.

Hopefully the words and photos will go on to serve as Hallmark memories that will last a lifetime.