Take time to remember

I had the pleasure of meeting several local veterans Monday afternoon at a reception held in their honor. Every time I talk with veterans it refreshes my opinion that these men and women deserve every “thank you” that we can give them.

Most of the veterans I met served in World War II and are part of “The Greatest Generation,” a title given to them in Tom Brokaw’s book that shares that same name.

Sadly, these American heroes are rapidly declining in health and numbers, so it’s important that we, the younger generation,
hear their stories and experiences about America’s most difficult time.

My generation has often been accused of not remembering the veterans who made the United States the most powerful country in the world; I for one would like to change that perception.

I propose that we take this upcoming Memorial Day and use it for more than just a day off to grill hamburgers and hot dogs. If you know a veteran, and most of us do, or if you have one in your family, take a few minutes to thank them for their service to this country.

On behalf of my generation, I want to say a special thanks to the veterans of World War II. We appreciate, more than you know, the fact that you stormed the shores of Normandy, fought the Germans and helped defeat one of the worst enemies of freedom that has ever walked the Earth.

We are also appreciative that you spent the entire winter of 1944 — one of the coldest in 50 years — outdoors, in the German mud, guns at the ready. We can’t begin to imagine the hellish situation you faced there, and we pray to God that we never will. We vow to take this Memorial Day to remember the fallen, along with those who are still here to tell their stories.

Also, to the veterans of Vietnam, the Korean War and the Gulf War parts one and two, we say thanks. Even though many of us do not agree with the current war, I can assure you we do support our troops and value their service to this country.

Politics aside, these are men and women, brothers and sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts and uncles — they are Americans, just like us, who hold regular jobs back at home but and are momentarily caught up in a political crisis.

We should look past politics for a moment to remember those who died for this country, as well as our living veterans and current soldiers. Hopefully, everyone will take time this Memorial Day to do just that.