We must remember the true meaning of Veterans Day

As a proud Afghanistan veteran who is preparing for Veterans Day, I find it tragic that so many of my fellow Americans view Nov. 11 as just another day off from work.

I lost a friend in Afghanistan's Operation Enduring Freedom, and I made a promise to his family that they would never, ever be forgotten.

With wars on two fronts — and the Veterans Affairs workload topping 1 million claims — it's time for all Americans to remember the true meaning of Veterans Day. Call one of our local VFW Posts to take part in our ceremonies.

And as we near the holidays, please keep our deployed troops and their families in your prayers. Send a care package or donate to the program that supports our troops and veterans, such as VFW Operation Uplink (www.operationuplink.org).

Always remember those who have fought for your freedom.

Staff Sgt. Crystal Barton

Mike, Veteran's Day has always been a special day for me. As a young boy, I always thought about our men being overseas, fighting an enemy before he arrived on our shores.

As a young man, despite my opposition to a war being fought for reasons I still do not understand, it was men and women defending our liberties, my liberties, even the liberty to question what that action was even about. There they were, at the front line, Americans standing for liberty, freedom and the call to all peoples to be on notice that America stood behind all freedom-loving peoples.

Today, I am even MORE thankful. Thankful that I had the freedom to question, and thankful that my country granted me the blessing to have that freedom of thought.

I think about those who were willing to give of themselves to protect our country, our way of life, my life.

Just how these valiant men and women thought about their choice to serve, is a mystery, except when you think of it this way: their life was the price THEY were willing to give for the larger issue; freedom for all who see the greatness of God's plan, that ALL deserve the freedom of thought, action, and gift of life, in serving Him.

I thank Him for the gift of MY life, and am greatful that there were those who had a vision that freedom was at a cost.

I thank each one who shared that vision.

I WILL NEVER FORGET MIKE AND VETERANS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART!!

Great post Mike.
As a very proud U.S. Navy veteran myself, I think it's important to especially remember those that gave the ULTIMATE for their service and allowed us to enjoy FREEDOM in such a GREAT COUNTRY as ours. I would do it again to protect such a beautiful flag as ours. Up until now, our flag was respected by many countries and they had looked to us for leadership. Many who have passed are buried on foreign soil. Proof of our commitment to those who asked for our help to fight for FREEDOM. Thank You for the reminder.
As a side note, how about that great looking ship, just commissioned and stationed in NYC, THE U.S.S. NEW YORK. How beautiful she is. I would have loved to serve aboard her. A reminder of how we respond to terrorism.

Amen Mike. As you know turnouts to honor vets have been down for many years. Congress just
passed a bill to set aside funding for the VA, one year in advance for the next twenty years,
about time. Don't worry we will never forget. On the lighter side we are going to kick your
butt in the Army/Navy game.

And may I add that for me, while I may not always agree with a politicians view of the politics of freedom, I love my country, and what she stands for; a beacon of freedom in an oft-troubled world.

That beacon will forever offer light to all who seek her face, and will stand eternally to light the pathway that leads to freedom of thought, action, personal beliefs and spiritual convictions.

God Bless America.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: mickeymantle,

The original holiday was called Armistice Day. It celebrated the end of World War I.

In may we have Memorial Day. It was orinally called Decoration Day. It honored the military who died during the wars.

GOD BLESS THEM ALL.