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Honor the veterans

Published/Last Modified on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2008 - 06:19:51 am MST

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On Nov. 11, 1918, an armistice was put into effect that brought an end to World War I and which was believed at that time to be the end of “the war to end all wars.”

A year later, President Woodrow Wilson commemorated what was then known as Armistice Day, and thus began a remembrance that would evolve into Veterans Day.

Today, we honor all veterans who have served in the American military.

Many have served in the military in peace and in war. Many Americans have served their nation with pride and honor.

As the parades and ceremonies occur today in Sierra Vista, Bisbee and elsewhere, we all will get a chance to show our appreciation to those who have served.

We recently received a letter from Leo J. Pimple of Sierra Vista. He’s the adjutant of the Arizona Department of American Veterans.

Pimple sent a poem by Andrea C. Brett titled, “I am a Veteran,” which discusses how veterans are among us and the types of challenges they face. While we are unable to run the complete poem today, there are words in the opening lines that are noteworthy.

“You may not know me the first time we meet

“I’m just another you see on the street

“But I am the reason you walk and breathe free

“I am the reason for your liberty

“I am a veteran

“I work in the local factory all day

“I own the restaurant just down the way

“I sell you insurance, I start your IV

“I’ve got the best-looking grandkids you’ll ever see

“I’m your grocer, your banker, your child’s school teacher

“I’m your plumber, your barber, your family’s preacher

“But there’s part of me you don’t know very well

“Just listen a moment, I’ve got a story to tell

“I am a veteran.”

The poem goes on to discuss how holidays have been missed, how they defied their fears and how they served in a variety of conditions.

But one of the impressive things about the American military is that after they serve, they return to civilian life and many take active roles in a community. Their service to the nation possibly hidden from others.

Today, we encourage you to join us in saying thank you to the veterans all around us. Our nation’s ideals and freedoms are protected by men and women just like these.

And don’t forget to attend the parade in Sierra Vista honoring veterans. It will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday and go down Fry Boulevard from Seventh Street to Veterans’ Memorial Park, where a short ceremony honoring veterans will be held afterwards.

For more information about Veterans Day, go online to http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp.

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Winston Smith wrote on Nov 12, 2008 5:30 PM:

" It's the 12th and no one cares. So much for Veterans eh, I guess they'd rather be arguing about the election "

Larry Talbot wrote on Nov 12, 2008 11:46 AM:

" In the Rick Schroeder film Lost Battalion, isn't he the guy who spend the five days walking around with a piece of wood sticking out of his shoulder that they were afraid to remove or he might bleed to death? "

Winston Smith wrote on Nov 11, 2008 9:43 PM:

" I have it as Captain Nathan Holderman of San Rafael Ca. He was commander of K Company 307th Infantry which hooked up with the Lost Battalion of the 308th Infantry. Surrounded for five days he was wounded three times and never slowed down. Amazing how no one knows about him or the Lost Battalion "

Quiz Question wrote on Nov 11, 2008 8:03 PM:

" The most decorated US Soldier in World War I? "

Lil wrote on Nov 11, 2008 7:21 AM:

" To each of our veterans, thank you for your service. On Veterans Day and every day I'm grateful for the sacrifices you've made for our nation. God bless you. "