From the Weirton Daily Times:
That’s why we want every reader to take a moment today, Veterans Day, to remember all who have served and all who continue to serve. It’s the least we can do to thank those who have for generations been willing to put their lives on hold to serve our country.
They come from all walks of life and all races. They practice different faiths and are representative of all segments of our society, but they all share a common trait — they are willing to stand tall and fight to preserve the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans, knowing that protecting that freedom often comes at a great price.
Veterans have stood guard in all corners of the globe and have battled oppression in Europe, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. They have defended democracy and the interests of the United States against those who would destroy our way of life. They have stood against enemies who have been clear and have been in the forefront in today’s war against terror.
They have served in different ways across the branches of our armed forces — the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard and, in wartime, the Merchant Marine — and have always been willing to do their sworn duty. Some have served a brief time, some have made military service their careers.
And, while today is set aside to recognize all veterans, we ask that you also take a moment to remember their brothers and sisters in arms, those fellow servicemen and women who are now at rest forever.
It’s not about the protests of the current day. It’s about remembering true service to the nation, and honoring them for this day set aside as a commemoration of what it means to love the country enough to lay down one’s life for the way of life of the rest of us.
It remains our duty as citizens of the United States to remember those who have served and continue to support those who are now serving. Take a moment to remember them, to thank them, to shake the hand of a veteran and let him or her know that we are grateful for all that they have done to preserve our freedoms.