“The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” — Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
As we approach Veterans Day, we are again reminded of how many of our family members, neighbors, friends and fellow community members have served our country, both in times of war and times of peace, distancing themselves from family and friends and putting their lives at risk.
Over the years, we’ve spent hours talking to veterans from across the branches of the military, hearing stories from times of war and conflict, times of peace, decades of service, loss, and the toll serving has taken on them and their families.
We’ve heard from veterans whose service was treated with respect, and those who were treated with insults. Families have told us stories of what it’s like to stand alongside their loved ones as they served and as they’ve worked for years and decades to come to terms with and heal from their experiences.
These stories have made us laugh, brought us to tears and made us realize and remember the horror, bravery and good that exist in this world.
Their experiences also serve as reminders that the freedoms we enjoy are not free. They have been protected by generations of citizens who risked it all for folks they love and others they’ll never meet, ones they agree with completely and ones they’ll never see eye to eye with.
And we’ve been honored to share just a few of those many stories — a tiny piece of what makes these veterans so special — with our community.
We’re pleased each year to see the numerous events that put our veterans at the forefront, such as the annual ceremonies and the Veterans Day breakfast hosted by local eighth-graders. These events teach and remind folks of all ages that there is much to be learned from this portion of our community.
We’ve watched students listening attentively as they hear stories from veterans while looking through scrapbooks, records and other items shared by the veterans.
We’ve seen veterans brought to tears, feeling like their service is truly appreciated — in some instances for the first time. We rarely walk away without tears in our eyes.
While few would call our country perfect, we recognize the United States of America would be very different without our veterans who fought to maintain those rights we hold dear in our country.
Veterans Day is observed on Nov. 11 to preserve the historical significance of the date.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs points out, “World War I – known at the time as ‘The Great War’ – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of ‘the war to end all wars.’
“Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
If you are or have been a part of our military, thank you for your service.
“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” — Abraham Lincoln.
Randi Pierce
>