Letter: The spirit of Veterans Day
Let us remember primarily that Veterans Day is the time America sets aside to honor our finest heroes. Every time our nation has called upon our citizens to serve, the best have come forward. Words cannot express our gratitude and admiration. But we can and should take the opportunity to remember their gift to us. They are the people who defend our country and preserve our peace and freedom.
The United States has 1.4 million men and women serving in the military and is one of the greatest military forces in the world today. Why? Because of the willingness of these people to serve and sacrifice their lives in defense of our freedom. They are the spirit of America.
We often justly focus attention on those who have served our country in defending our freedom. That special commodity is preserved by all the people who quietly go about their daily service in our military. And although they may not be the "Boots on the Ground" members, and perhaps they have not seen combat duty, they surely are and will always be the spirit of America. They are the future veterans of the United States.
Their service and continuing devotion is something to be honored by all of us who breathe easier and live freely because of those who have defended us, in all walks of military life, at home and abroad.
Veterans know better than anyone the price of freedom, for they have suffered the wounds of war. They need our help, and we should give it freely to those in need, the homeless, and downtrodden. That is our part of the spirit.
They have never let America down. We cannot let them down. God bless America, our veterans and all of you!
Mike Formento, Commander
Glen Ellyn American Legion Post 3