Saluting Veterans, Others Who Serve

Veterans Day is observed on Nov. 11 because of the 1918 armistice following World War I with Germany and the allies, which included the United States.

The armistice was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, according to a website on Veterans Day history.

The U.S. Congress, however, did not officially recognize the end of World War I until 1926 when cong ressmen declared the armistice should be commemorated with prayer, thanksgiving and a proclamation on flying flags on government buildings.

Veterans Day is a day set aside to recognize veterans of all wars and flags today are often hung at half mast.

We have many veterans home from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of those veterans have had more than one deployment to either one or both of the countries. Most havereturned without injuries, but the U.S. has a lot of veterans who have lost limbs, eyesight, have brain damage and suffer mentally from the trauma of war. We shouldn’t forget our wounded.

This is a time to salute veterans who have fought for our country, but we also should be thankful year round for their service.

A Protect and Serve special section in this week’s Enterprise-Leader also recognizes those who wear other uniforms - the police, fi refighters and EMS employees. These men and women are there to protect and serve us on a daily basis in our local communities. We pay tribute to them as well as our veterans this week.

Sunday, Nov. 11, is officially Veterans Day. It will be observed on Monday, Nov. 12, by local, state and national government employees, some businesses and local organizations.

Opinion, Pages 4 on 11/07/2012