Veterans deserve our thanks year-round
BY World's Editorials Writers
Saturday, November 10, 2012
11/10/12 at 3:06 AM
As you plan your big Thanksgiving dinner and make your list of things to be thankful for, here's one to put on the list: Our veterans.
Sunday is Veterans Day. It, like July 4, always falls on the same day. July 4 celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Veterans Day celebrates those who have served and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Veterans Day, once known as Armistice Day, officially celebrates the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 that marked the end of World War I, the "war to end all wars."
In 1917, U.S. Gen. Jack Pershing had marched into Paris and famously declared: "Lafayette, we are here." History records that the pronouncement actually was uttered by Pershing's aide, Col. Charles E. Stanton.
There will be the usual parades and gatherings Sunday. Since it falls on a Sunday this year, many celebrations have been moved up or forward. Check with your local organizers and make plans to attend. Tulsa will hold its annual Veterans Day Parade at 11 a.m. Monday in downtown.
We are losing veterans of World War II daily. We soon will be able to say the same for our Korean War veterans. Even our Vietnam War vets are aging.
As we celebrate these vets there are new ones coming along. The long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to produce more veterans of foreign conflict.
Neither our older vets nor the new ones must ever be forgotten. Many have returned with life-altering injuries that will need constant attention. Many, too many, are returning with injuries that can't be seen. Those wounds need treatment as well.
It is up to our government, through the people of the United States, to make sure that all these veterans are taken care of, that any needs they require are met.
On Sunday we will celebrate our veterans - all of our veterans. We will thank them for their service and their sacrifice. We will have parades with bands and marching soldiers.
Yes, they deserve that. And so much more. We are thankful for our veterans. We wish there never would be a reason for more.
This is the day for thanks, but it's a thank-you that ought to be remembered every day of the year.
Original Print Headline: Thank you, vets
