It’s Veteran’s Day! There is nothing more stirring to the heart then watching a group of veterans as they carry the American Flag to start off a parade. Some of these local marching veterans wear their military uniforms others wear the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars’ outfits. As Will Rogers was quoted about such a moment, “We can’t all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.” Some of those standing on the street curb, place their hand over their heart. Men remove their caps, and some chose to remain silent while others give applause and cheers of praise.

These veterans gave a lot serving their country and now they form color guards and march proudly in their hometowns. Some days they serving as a guard honoring a fellow veteran near his gravesite. They dutifully stand at attention during the service and then fire a gun salute. The veterans may be of all ages, but in our rural area, they are mostly of retirement age and few in numbers. However, they still want to honor their comrades. It doesn’t matter if the graveside service is held in the heat of the summer or the chilling winds of the winter, members of the guard stand in the open paying honor to the departed veteran.

These veterans often take part in the Memorial Day services and show the pride they share for their country. It doesn’t matter how many times the veterans are called to serve they have answered the call. But as the years past it has become increasingly difficult for them to serve as honor guards. Often the old veterans can now be seen seated on a chair near the American Legion or VFW guard throughout the program or service. The oldest veterans still manage to rise from their chairs as the American Flag is brought forward and they give the salute.

The Wounded Warrior Veterans’ group has a goal of honoring those who gave so much for this country and strives to give specially built homes to veterans in need. Other organizations are honoring veterans by placing wreaths at gravesites.

Some veterans wrestle with wounds from their time serving their country and are now homeless. There are projects that are reaching out to help those in need. There are nurses and doctors who help our veterans in clinics and hospitals all over the United States. Veterans’ families are being helped and scholarships are available for veterans’ children and grandchildren. Veterans in the hospitals, nursing and assisted living quarters are being recognized with cards, gifts and visits.

Friday is designated as Veterans Day, a time to recognize and honor our local veterans but doing so is something we should do the year around.

The veterans gave of themselves for our country and our freedom. It is time we thank our veterans! When General Dwight D. Eisenhower gave an order to his troops on D-Day, 1944, he said, “The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you.”

That is still true today.