Remembering November 11th

Veterans Day is an annual American holiday honoring military veterans. Both a federal holiday and a state holiday in all states, it is usually observed on November 11. However, if it occurs on a Sunday then the following Monday is designated for holiday leave, and if it occurs Saturday then either Saturday or Friday may be so designated.

Today most people either forget the day, ignore it, or consider it just another day of shopping specials. But to many of us who serve or have served this nation, it is the one day that this nation should thank us for our service. That service whether it was in war or peace. On foreign soil or here in the states. Whether the enemy was our fellow man or just boredom. We served.

It is the Soldier
by Father Dennis Edward O'Brien

It is the Soldier,
not the reporter, who has given us freedom of press.

It is the Soldier,
not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier,
not the campus organizer, who gives us freedom to demonstrate.

It is the Soldier
who salutes the flag,
who serves beneath the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.

It is the men and women who have and are proudly wearing the uniform of this nation who have guaranteed the freedoms we enjoy.

A Nation's Strength
by Walt Whitman

Not gold, but only man can make
A people great and strong;
Men who, for truth and honor's sake,
Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly --
They build a nation's pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.

Those who serve give their strength to keep this nation free. Many have given their lives, their health, and their wealth for this country.

This year, like last year, Applebee's Restaurants are giving to Veterans and Active Duty Military Personal a free meal. It is their way of thanking all who served.

For Freedom



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To all those who have served, and all those who are serving now:

Thank you!