In the United States, we observe two holidays to honor those who have served our nation through military service.
The first, Memorial Day, commemorates those who died in that service. Today is Veterans Day where we pause to recognize the sacrifices of all those who served, including those for whom that service did not require “the last full measure of devotion,” as Lincoln eloquently noted at Gettysburg.
Through Veterans Day we recognize the sacrifices, large and small, of all who served or have served. We honor not only those whose service has required them to be in harm’s way, but for all those who are called to perform in support of those fighting men and women. Every sacrifice is important and worthy of our appreciation because each has contributed to the whole.
When our Founding Fathers boldly proclaimed independence to establish a new form of government where authority came from the people, none were so naive as to believe that such a bold stand could come without a staggering cost.
For the past two and a half centuries, it is the men and women of our armed forces who have paid that cost to preserve an idea and a way of life that all Americans have come to enjoy and, all too often, take for granted.
When we consider those who have paid that price and continue to pay it, a single day seems insufficient to express our gratitude.
It is best, then, not to view Veterans Day in such a limited context, but instead consider it a day set aside to not only reflect on the service of our military men and women but to renew our commitment to honor them.
Like all days, Veterans Day consists of one 24-hour period. But our respect and appreciation for our military should not be constrained by hours or days or weeks or years.
Our nation may have been founded on high ideals and principles, but it is our military men and women who have borne the cost to sustain those ideals and principles.
We proudly salute all those who have served and continue to serve. To you we owe an enduring debt of gratitude.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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