Honoring our heroes
On Veterans Day, we honor all our heroes who have served in the military. And yet, we should be honoring them every day, because without their dedication, sacrifice and devotion to our country, we might not enjoy the freedom we enjoy today.
Let us then reflect on their sacrifices so that we understand that our freedom comes with a personal price.
Veterans willingly left their families and the many joys of daily being together. They often missed Christmas, Easter and the birth of their children.
They fought on the ground, in the air and at sea while serving in the jungles, the desert, in bunkers, in tents on mountains and shores of distant lands.
They had their bodies damaged, while the perils of war remain hauntingly in their memory.
It was the veteran who stood tall and saluted our flag, who was willing to serve beneath our flag and whose coffin was too often draped with our flag.
And while not all veterans see war, all who serve in the military have expressed a willingness to fight if called to.
All of this and more to protect our democracy, our freedom and our way of life. Veterans have given us a chance to live in peace and freedom today and an opportunity to look forward to tomorrow.
This is why Veterans Day is dedicated to honoring the courage, bravery, dedication and sacrifices made by the men and women who have served in the armed forces.
It is a time to remember the tremendous contributions of our veterans and to express our profound gratitude for their unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms. If you love your freedom, thank a veteran. Heroes all.
May God bless America, our veterans and all of you.
Mike Formento, Commander
Glen Ellyn American Legion Post 3