The shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, last week have cast a pall over Veterans Day. Maj. Nidal Hasan allegedly killed 13 people and wounded 29. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama will likely send more troops to Afghanistan by January, and troops are still stationed in Iraq where the violence seems to have subsided but the country is still in a volatile state.
It all serves as a reminder of the importance of the U.S. military in defending our freedoms and preserving our interests. If most people don’t take time to think about our men and women in uniform, and the tasks accomplished by current and previous generations of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen, today would be a good day to start. This is Veterans Day.
Nov. 11, 1918, was the day the big guns fell silent to end World War I. The now famous 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month signaled the end of four years of the most horrible warfare the world had seen to that time. It was so bad, it was called the war to end all wars. If only. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 Armistice Day.
Though the day started out to honor World War I veterans, the seeds of World War II were planted in the Treaty of Versailles, signed by the allies against Germany in June 1919. By the end of World War II, many millions more veterans needed recognition and, on June 1, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law Veterans Day and Nov. 11 became a day to honor all veterans.
We all owe veterans a debt of gratitude for their immense sacrifice. While most of us go about our daily lives, they are in war zones, manning ships, flying aircraft or home safely from current and previous wars. Some veterans come home through Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, where all veterans killed in action return for burial. Some end up in Walter Reed Army Hospital with wounds and scars of battle. Others appear to have come home unscathed but what they carry in their memories will be with them for life.
We ask a lot from our men and women in uniform and they never fail to deliver. We’ll use this day to honor all veterans but, really, every day is Veterans Day.
Editorials
Editorial: Honor America's veterans today
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Editorial: Sentencing should be determined by judge most familiar with case
We should show concern about the handling of a criminal’s recent case under the Madison County unified court system, a concept where judges share resources to help reduce costs, avoid backlogs and move cases forward.
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Editorial: 911 consolidation good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
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Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
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You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
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Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
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Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
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Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
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Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
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Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
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Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
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