Community is one of the most important aspects of life. It’s the glue that holds people together.

The Washington area is lucky to have such a strong sense of community. It makes Washington the city it is, and it’s worth preserving.

Many residents are doing just that.

Local running group Sole Train came up with the idea to hold a 5K and 10-mile bike ride to benefit a burn victim. They dubbed the event “Sweatin’ for Slick” after the victim Jonathan “Slick” Hudson, who sustained second- and third-degree burns after a gas fume fire.

Thanks to grant money from Trillium Health Resources, the City of Washington is now able to renovate Havens Gardens to make it a playground that is handicapped-accessible for children with disabilities. Sophomore Ben Morris is adding a helping hand by raising money for a handicapped-accessible swing for the playground, as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project.

Most recently, residents gathered together for the annual Hope and Heroes Walk and golf tournament Let’s Tee It Up For a Cure, both of which benefit the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center, and were undaunted by the high temperatures.

The list goes on and on.

These types of community events are so important for Beaufort County, as they bring people together in the name of a cause. The participants may not personally know those who are benefitting from the events, but it doesn’t matter. They care. They care because it affects their community, and that’s enough to warrant the help.

There are probably more opportunities in life to bicker over the issues and pit oneself against another, but ultimately, the fighting isn’t worth the time or effort.

In light of the recent Sept. 11 anniversary, all must remember that they have a duty to one another to rise above the differences and come together in the face of adversity, whether it’s a local issue or something greater.

The ability to do that is what makes Beaufort County so great. Not a waterfront or a downtown or a history of a town. It’s the people. The community.