Thanks to veterans past, present, future

Tuesday, Nov. 11 is a very special day for many Americans. It is the day that has been designated Veterans Day by the Congress of the United States to honor those who served in uniform during conflict and challenge. Wherever and whenever they were called to serve, they went. Now it is time to thank them.

Here is a statement given by President Ronald W. Reagan at Arlington National Cemetery on Nov. 11, 1985:

"It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick.

"We see soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the founding fathers, grave and gray-haired.

"But most of them were boys when they died. They gave up two lives: The one they were living and the one they would have lived.

"When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for their country, for us.

"All we can do is remember."

To the veterans here today, thank you for your service. To the veterans of tomorrow, thank you for keeping us safe and well.

Marion Schwerman

Libertyville