The more than 1,800 employees of Horry County should be steamed. As the County Council continues to debate first whether it can afford to give those workers a raise at all this year and next whether that well-deserved raise would be a measly 1 percent (after no raises since 2008) or a just slightly better 2 percent, at least some of the reason for that penny-pinching sits docked up in Little River.

The H. 3921 cremains bill was signed and took effect on May 15. It allows funeral homes and mortuaries to turn over for proper burial cremains (cremated remains) that have been sitting unclaimed in funeral homes and mortuaries for several years without liability. There have been unclaimed remains all over the country in funeral homes for years. Veterans organizations realized the problem several years ago and went about burying these veterans. Most funeral homes would not release them without authorization of a family member and there were none or they would not come forward. Now they cannot be held liable for releasing these veterans’ remains to one of the many veterans service organizations or government agencies that will see to proper burial with honor, respect and dignity.

As we honor those who have fought, bled, and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their nation, we must also keep in mind the soldiers, sailors, and Marines who serve today. Many of them serve in far off lands, but the work they do is invaluable in keeping our nation safe.