November 11, 2023 Issue, Page 10 of 16

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10 - The Elk City News November 11, 2023 Thank You for Your Service By Sheryl Ponce lives have forever been changed, whether it is positive or chal- lenging. It is up to citizens to show gratitude for the veterans’ An endearing tribute to the men and women who have de- devotion and sacrifice for the country ‘s freedom. fended the United States of American is, “Thank you for your ser- Vietnam veteran, Gene Smith, said that he appreciates it vice.” But what does it mean to those who have served? Do these when someone thanks him for his service. He served as a pilot veterans truly know and understand the depth of gratitude that in the Air Force. He said he was so proud to wear his uniform, comes with that spoken phrase? and yet when he returned from Vietnam, he was told he could No matter what rank, what branch of the service one served, not wear it off the base. This was because public sentiment for or how long one served, the time spent in the uniform is a sac- the military was at an all-time low, and it was not safe for him to rifice. It is a sacrifice of time, sometimes family, sometimes love, wear it in public. and sometimes life. The motivation to serve varies from patri- Now it is time to tell these veterans, “Thank you for your ser- otic devotion to the country or running from a bad situation or vice.” What was not done in years gone by, it is not too late to wanting to see the world. No matter the reason for enlisting, each appreciate the sacrifice he or she made to keep this country safe. person who serves seems to have a servant's heart and mindset. It is not about the politics, but it is about the service. Now, Smith is proud to wear his veteran's cap. How to Spot a Veteran longer wears a uniform, but the experiences never fade. Their As an enlisted man or woman becomes a veteran, he/she no To all who have served, “Thank you.” time and peacetime. Memo- By Sheryl Ponce unite, or to catch up with each rial Day is a day to honor and other. Their experiences are remember military personnel Is there a certain type who shared, and no one else is able who died in the service of their has served in the military? On to relate to that experience as country, particularly those Veterans Day they are hon- much as those who served to- who lost their lives in battle or ored by restaurants or local gether. as a result of wounds sustained in battle. school programs. What hap- Some states have special What is the significance of pens throughout the rest of veteran car tags, especially for red poppies? the year? Could it be that vet- those who may be disabled. Red poppies are ubiquitous erans should be celebrated ev- on Memorial Day, but they're ery day of the year? How does ‘There are bumper stickers also visible on Veterans Day. one know where to find them with military insignias on Though it’s not taboo to wear them. Watch for tags that may red poppies on Veterans Day, to honor their service? it’s a tradition that aligns more There are several organi- identify a specific branch of with Memorial Day. That's be- zations where veterans may the military or a specific war cause the poppies are typically gather. The Veterans of For- that has been identified. worn to honor fallen military eign War (VFW) and Ameri- can Legion groups have their Stolen valor is a huge topic among military veterans. This I personnel, A 1915 poem writ- ten by a Canadian Lieutenant Colonel named John McCrae own halls or buildings. They is a person who fakes hav- may host events throughout the year. Younger vets may ing veteran status. It would be safe to assume a person is FAQ about Veterans Day referred to the fields of pop- pies growing around the graves of World War I soldiers in Flan- bea part of Wounded Warrior being truthful with talking Each November, millions Veterans Affairs notes that the armistice between the Al- ders. Project or Team Red White Do other countries honor about his/her military service. of people recognize the service Veterans Day is always ob- lies of World WarI and Germa- their military veterans? and Blue. VA hospitals and Assume he/she is telling the and sacrifice of military veter- served officially on November Many countries across the nursing homes can be a great truth. ny at 5:45 a.m. on November globe honor their military vet- ans on Veterans Day. Initially 11, regardless of which day of 11, 1918. Though the formal way to help a population of When identifying a veter- commemorated as Armistice the week that happens to be. erans, and many do so on No- men and women who have peace treaty, the Treaty of Ver- vember 11 as well. For exam- served. an, thank him/her for his/her Day but renamed Veterans Day In 2023, Veterans Day is Sat- sailles, was not signed until ple, Canadians and Australians service. Ask how long he/she in the United States in 1954, urday, November 11. Because observe Remembrance Day in Look for military insig- 1919 and hostilities between the holiday is a federal holiday Veterans Day falls on a Satur- the sides continued for hours honor of their nation’s respec- was in the service or which nia because veterans seem to be proud to wear their hats, branch of the service he/she throughout the country, tive veterans on November served. Also, ask about where ‘The first Armistice Day was day in 2023, the federal obser- after the armistice was signed, 11. Great Britain observes Re- observed in 1919. Despite that vation date is Friday, Novem- the day is still viewed as the membrance Day on the Sunday shirts or jackets that honor the person was stationed, and their affiliation with a specific lengthy history, the general ber 10. end of World War I. nearest to November 11. military unit or branch. Some- why he/she chose to enlist. What distinguishes Veter- Veterans Day is a day to Some questions are seen public may still have questions Why is November 11 so sig- times Navy veterans will wear as taboo, and veterans may nificant? ans Day from Memorial Day? honor and commemorate the caps that say which ship they about Veterans Day. ‘The VA notes that Veterans brave men and women who may have served on. Some not want to talk about his/ When is Veterans Day ob- November 11 is a signifi- Day honors all those individu- have honorably served in the units may have reunions, her combat experience. Be re- served? cant day in world history be- als who served honorably in US. military during wartime coming back to together to re- spectful and show gratitude. The U.S. Department of cause it marks the signing of the miliary during both war- and peacetime. In some of the toughest times we have called on our veterans to serve. They have served with honor and grace and continue today. We would like to thank our veterans current and past for their endless sacrifices. Without you we would not be here today. For those fighting.. For those waiting for someone to return.. For those who never made it home.. For those putting their family to rest.. We stand hy you, 7 7 o S¢ a y a THRU TUBING 1501 E 20th St, Elk City, OK 73644 - 580-225-6977