Thank a veteran for serving the country
DEAR EDITOR:
Today is Veterans Day. The holiday began when the fighting of World War I, known as the “Great War” and “the war to end all wars” ceased on the eleventh hour of Nov. 11, 1918. Armistice Day was declared by President Woodrow Wilson on Nov. 11, 1919, when he stated, “… the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.”
President Dwight Eisenhower issued the first “Veterans Day Proclamation” Nov. 8, 1954, which stated “… in order to ensure proper and widespread observance of the anniversary, all veterans, veteran organizations and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose — a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve at home and abroad and sacrifice so much for the common good …”
America has seen many challenges of war since 1918, through the defeat of the Nazis and Japanese in World War II and troops sent to protect democracy in Korea, Vietnam and throughout the world to give a voice to the voiceless and persecuted. Our brave men and women, along with their families, have stationed both within and outside the United States’ borders serving heroically and helping others, often giving the ultimate sacrifice. Please continue to encourage our government to return to these faraway lands to bring back the bodies of those lost in combat to their homes and final resting places.
On this Veterans Day, please honor these sacrifices by extending your heart and hand and thanking a veteran and their family for all of their efforts to keep us all safe. Freedom is a full-time job and our service members never get a day off, even on Veterans Day.
To all our veterans, please join me in saying, “Thank you for your service, you are so appreciated.”
Thank you.
KAREN SHESKO
American Legion Auxiliary 737
Lake Milton