Today’s generation know about the kind of hero that Sgt. Justin Bradley Allen was. The Coal Grove community wants to make sure that future generations do as well.

The Dawson-Bryant High School Class of 2005 is leading the way on a fundraising project to honor Allen, the Coal Grove native and member of the class who was killed in action in July while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.

The goal is to raise money to build a memorial sculpture on the school’s campus and set up a scholarship in Allen’s memory.

This is a worthwhile project and the youth leading the way should be applauded for their efforts. Despite the tragic loss that Allen’s death was, his classmates and the community have earned the recognition as this week’s “Good News, Good Neighbors.”

The first fundraiser will be a picnic-concert-auction on Saturday, Oct. 9, at Paul Porter Park.

Individual donations can be made to the memorial fund in care of PNC Bank, 701 High St., Coal Grove, OH 45638.

This combination approach that blends setting up a scholarship fund and creating a memorial is a good approach because it will create a visible reminder of this local hero as well as a continuous legacy for students for years to come.

Allen was an American hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The man and what he stood for should never be forgotten.