A sincere thank you to all the brave men who left their homes and families today and yesterday to be in various branches of service. Many servicemen in World War II were away for more than four years, and some in every war were prisoners of war.
This devotion to duty deserves our eternal gratitude every day of every year.
Nancy Tryloff, Hartwell
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Commitment to peace greatest gift to troops
What I'd like to tell our troops who are currently deployed (or anywhere in foreign territories) is that President Bush had called all of them home for Thanksgiving, and for good - and that he had pledged to remove our people from conflicts not pertinent to the preservation of our liberty.
You may say, "I'm a dreamer," but I'm not the only one. Those who have fought to defend our country and safeguard our freedoms had hopes of sparing future generations the horrors of wars. Let us honor and celebrate their efforts, their sacrifices, and their lives by fulfilling their desires for peace.
Adele Bell, Anderson Township
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Memorial challenges us to greatness
I have just come from the dedication of the new veterans' memorial in Mason. It is beautiful, thought-provoking, and inspiring. Treat yourself and your family and go visit this memorial that honors all of our veterans.
Walk along the monuments to all of our wars; think about them, literally, hundreds of thousands of Americans who gave their lives so that all of us might be free.
Reflect upon the granite benches with the inscribed words of loyalty, perseverance, honor, courage, dedication and sacrifice.
Then go home and live up to those expectations of us. Go home and be a great American.
Jane Crenshaw, Mason
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Millions have died to keep us safe
Have you ever been to Arlington Memorial Cemetery? Rows upon rows of white crosses abound, in splendid honor of those warriors that have fallen so long ago and in present time, forever in our memories and in our hearts, lost generations of young and old.
I wonder what the world would be if they could be here today.
Millions died for our freedom and to keep us safe.
We must never forget the price they paid shedding their blood, on so many fields and jungles and in the sea.
Americans forever remember our fallen heroes and never forget what freedom really means.
John P. Jones, U.S. Army veteran, Monroe
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Everyone should thank a veteran every day
This is for the veterans of the United States of America, the place that those who have served and those who still serve this country today.
I believe that everyone should thank a veteran every day. I look forward to this day every year so that I can elaborate to people that I did, in fact, serve my country proudly. Even if you served during peacetime, it makes no difference because the sacrifice was there.
No one actually knows more than veterans how it makes them when they are appreciated for what they have done.
Don Wimsatt, Former Army sergeant, Silver Grove, Ky.
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Veterans display true citizenship
To all who have worn the uniform, and especially to those still wearing it, I extend my gratitude and respect for your example of true citizenship.
The freedoms bestowed by a democratic government require eternal vigilance and defense by its citizens. While many in our midst ignored this duty, you stepped forward. While some condemned our nation and preferred to appease the evil threatening it, you promised to defend it against all enemies.
Your valor has saved the nation from fascism and communism, and spread the flame of liberty to oppressed lands. Today, your sacrifice and service is again making history, in the noble fight to defeat Islamic terrorism.
Mike Emerine, Springfield Township
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War is a debacle for this family
My nephew recently returned with a broken neck from his second stint as an Army Ranger in Iraq. He is one of the more fortunate casualties of this war. He will recover and hopes to remain a Ranger. As an increasing number of families are being affected by this war, I hope the American people will hold this administration accountable for what is happening.
By virtually all accounts, our military forces performed superbly in their assignment to invade Iraq. It was accomplished quickly and with precision, minimizing both military and civilian casualties. However, the administration's plan (or lack of) for securing the peace after the initial conflict has been an absolute disaster and is an insult (and a daily life-threatening hazard) to the skills and bravery of our fighting forces.
Personnel from armored units have been pulled from their vehicles for foot patrol and have had to "acquire" AK-47 rifles to properly protect themselves. Many soldiers do not have the latest body armor because of inadequate supplies. Helicopters are transporting troops without existing defensive countermeasures equipment. Badly needed treatment for returned wounded soldiers is being delayed.
How long will the American people continue to support an administration that seems to present only self-serving rationale for its actions, while ignoring the accompanying downside assessments provided?
On this Veterans Day, I urge each of us to look into our heart of hearts and ask: If we had a son or daughter serving in Iraq, could we honestly continue to support an administration that has been unable to secure the peace in Afghanistan, much less Iraq? Could we support a leadership that has been unable to articulate any sort of exit strategy, or even a prediction of when our loved ones will be coming home?
Bill Westerman, Brookville, Ind.
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Veterans Day
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Take your number with you
Veterans' devotion to duty merits eternal gratitude
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