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Be sure to salute our veterans today
Published November 11, 2009
The day after tribute was paid to 13 men and women killed in what they believed to be the safety of an American military base, we honor the millions of others who served with equal honor in the name of preserving our freedom and fighting to bring them to other oppressed people around the globe.
At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the time the armistice ending World War I called for all weapons to fall silent, people in communities large and small nationwide will pay tribute to our nation’s veterans and those still in active service. Words of respect and appreciation will be spoken and flags waved to show our gratitude to those who still carry the scars of war and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Each day our country loses thousands of veterans, many of whom served as part of the “Greatest Generation” during World War II. Each day our country also is creating more war veterans and casualties as our brave young men do battle in Iraq and Afghanistan.
For both types of people who have worn a uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces, Brazoria County’s tribute this year fittingly is in the “City with Pride.” That is the sentiment which we all feel.
Sweeny will host the annual Veterans Day parade, which starts at the 11th hour, and a ceremony featuring Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Brett M. Dula, vice commander of the Air Combat Command with headquarters at Langley Air Force Base, Va.
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Clarence Sasser also will be on hand for the ceremony, which will include a flyover by an Apache helicopter from Ellington Field in Houston.
Other events honoring veterans are planned at area American Legion and VFW posts open both to veterans and the public.
Veterans Day in many ways has become a means of thanking our fellow citizens for the sacrifices in the name of the United States, but it seems impossible for any thanks we might offer to measure up to what they have done to preserve our way of life.
That having been said, whatever we have planned in our lives today, saluting a veteran should be part of it. Those who cannot make it to a scheduled event because of work or other obligations are asked to take a moment to remember service members past and present, whether through prayer or other respectful gesture.
Americans should never miss an opportunity to show our appreciation to the men and women of the military, past and present. Today presents that opportunity for all of us.
This editorial was written by Michael Morris, assistant managing editor of The Facts.
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