THE ETHICAL LIFE Do we understand what it means to sacrifice? – Richard Kyte Richard Kyte Columnist Apr 16, 2026 Apr 16, 2026 Updated Jul 2, 2026 0 Prefer us on Google Learn More Facebook Twitter Bluesky WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save As we approach Memorial Day this year with an ongoing conflict in the Middle East, we are sure to hear a great deal about sacrifice.kAm$@>6 @7 H92E H6 962C H:== 36 D:?46C6[ D@>6 H:== ?@E[ 3FE 2== @7 :E H:== 7:E F?4@>7@CE23=J :?E@ E96 4@?E6IE @7 2 >@56C? D@4:6EJ E92E ?@ =@?86C 92D 2 4@?E6IE 7@C E9:?<:?8 23@FE D24C:7:46]k^AmkAmr@?D:56C E96 7@==@H:?8 ?6HD DE@C:6D >6?E:@?:?8 D24C:7:46]k^AmkAmp DA@CED 9625=:?6 2??@F?46D E92E {@D p?86=6D $A2C<D A=2J6C “z6=D6J !=F> >2<6D 2? :>A@CE2?E D24C:7:46” 3J D:8?:?8 2 @?6\J62C 4@?EC24E 7@C Shhh[hhh :?DE625 @7 S`]c >:==:@? D@ E96 E62> 42? D:8? 255:E:@?2= A=2J6CD]k^Am People are also reading… Childhood dream comes true; Drink Eazy set to open storefront Lexington's Patrick Martin claims fifth NSRA tie-down roping year-end title Communication main topic at first Orange and Black meeting, school district plans new platform Lexington Middle School band to perform Saturday at UNK Band Day Parade Troopers find nearly 20,000 lbs of drugs, trailer full of stolen items in Dawson County traffic stops Cozad's Chad Connelly wins year-end title in ranch broncs Nebraska AG urged to investigate three out-of-state nursing home chains Emersyn Propp sets career high with 28 kills in Cozad’s win over St. Pat’s Paul Hammel: Fight over feline calls for having a little fun sometimes Party like a Haymaker: Cozad hosts fall kickoff celebration Lexington drops only 2 matches in home tennis dual invite Thursday FOOTBALL: Gothenburg wins home ranked matchup 45-29 Friday over Mitchell Commissioners set public hearing for road vacation Dale Thomas Krings Me-ouch! 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H6 6IA6C:6?46 E96 ECFE9 @7 E96 H@C5D @7 $E] uC2?4:D @7 pDD:D:i “7@C :E :D :? 8:G:?8 E92E H6 C646:G6]”k^Am +1 Richard Kyte is director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., and co-host of "The Ethical Life" podcast. Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His new book, “Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way),” is available from Fulcrum Books. He also cohosts “The Ethical Life” podcast. 0 Comments Locations Lacrosse Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Related to this story Ethical Life playlist SoundStack