VETERANS DAY PARADE

St. Simons Island celebrated veterans yesterday by a parade and other activities. We went down to the Village for the parade. It wasn't a long parade, but we had several veterans from different wars in it. One was in this car with what looks like his wife and grandkids:

Besides the veterans, we had what I believe is the local high school's military program--is it called Jr. ROTC? Anyway, they made a nice impression:

And one of the county high school's bands came out in full force:

And the whole point was to thank our veterans for their service to our country. This poem sums up what an immense debt we owe them, why we should be thankful to them every day--not just one day a year!

IT IS THE SOLDIER

It is the Soldier, not the minister

Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter

Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet

Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer

Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer

Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician

Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves beneath the flag,

And whose coffin is draped by the flag,

Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

©Copyright 1970, 2005 by Charles M. Province

HAPPY VETERANS DAY

Just a couple of pix from our island parade honoring veterans. Afterward, there was a ceremony on the Casino lawn. Very moving.

VETERANS DAY

Every Veterans Day I marvel at the sacrifice so many men and women have made for this country. From the French and Indians Wars, while we were still colonies, to today's wars in the Middle East, our people have fought and died--are still fighting and dying.

Some restaurants are giving free meals and some stores are giving discounts to veterans and others in the military. They deserve it.

The rest of us can only add our thanks and try to show our appreciation in other ways.

Happy Veterans Day!

VETERANS DAY 2012

Today is Veterans Day. Our community celebrates tomorrow, Monday, with a memorial service but the intention remains the same: to thank veterans who served our country.

This year, our community is focusing on Viet Nam vets. Unlike other soldiers in other wars, survivors of Viet Nam were not feted and celebrated on their return. Sometimes the welcome home they received was no welcome at all.

Thankfully, opinions have changed. On our island, around a flagpole, there are bricks commemorating military people who died in different wars. Our local newspaper found the Viet Nam names and offered photos of as many as they could find. Most look like kids. Not surprising since many were barely out of high school. It's heartrending to think they lost their lives so young. It's heartrending to read about their families still grieving.

And while we take time to remember those who died, let's also remember those who suffered and who still suffer. Inadequate medical care and homelessness of surviving veterans should be eradicated. Mental help for those who need it should be provided. Our veterans, men and women who served and fought for our country, shouldn't have to wade through layers of red tape and deal with inadequate hospitals and bureaucratic indifference. We should demand our country live up to its promises.

Wouldn't that be the best way to celebrate Veterans Day?