A Veterans Day Thought

In 1919, Woodrow Wilson announced a holiday to remember our veterans with the following proclamation.

"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with lots of pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

In the 91 years since that time, the name of the holiday has changed, but our soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines have continued to shed their blood in the defense of our great Nation. Too often, however, we are either too busy or too removed from the world of the military to realize the importance the self-sacrifice that our fighting men and women endure and to thank them for it.

So tomorrow, on this day of remembrance, I would challenge everyone to reach out to a veteran and personally thank them for their service. Better yet, dig into your pocket and give to one of the fine institutions such as the USO or the American Legion, which provide support services to our military and veterans.