HOW WE SEE IT: Thanks Means More Than Medals

Posted: November 11, 2009 at 4:41 a.m.

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SPRINGDALE — You can make a list a mile long of all the people who have made America what it is.

Start with our Founding Fathers - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and all the others whose names we learned in school.

From there, you can add activists and reformers such as Frederick Douglass and Martin Luther King Jr.; writers and artists like Mark Twain and Frank Lloyd Wright; adventurers such as Amelia Earhart;

scientists and inventors like George Washington Carver and Thomas Edison; even entertainers like Houdini and Bob Hope.

The list can’t possibly be considered complete, however, without acknowledging our veterans, because this nation would not be celebrating its 233rd year without them. All ofthe people mentioned above contributed one way or another to this country’s greatness, but they could not have done it without the sacrifices of those who fought for, and in some cases died for America.

Today is Veterans Day. Originally called Armistice Day in memory of those who served during World War I, the name was changed decades later to honor those who have served America in all wars.

Every generation produces yet another set of brave men and women willing to put their lives on the line to protect this country. It is an amazing thing when you think about it, and something we too often take for granted.

This is a dangerous time to be a U.S. soldier. While the casualty rate in Iraq has slowed considerably in the past year, Afghanistan has become an increasingly hostile environment. This year alone, nearly 300 Americans have lost their lives in that country. Even our military members at home are not insulated from violence, as last week’s incident at Fort Hood demonstrated.

The Fort Hood shootings were shocking. The tales of heroism that came out of the incident were not.

When gunfire erupted on base, many soldiers rushed toward the sound, not away from it - exactly the kind of courage that U.S. military members apply every day in combat abroad.

Some of our soldiers return home with serious injuries from battle; others have been mentally scarred. We should ensure they are getting the best care possible. That goes for all veterans.

But on this day, our primary thought is simply one of gratitude toward all those who have served.

During last year’s Veterans Day ceremony at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, John Snyder - a student and a former Marine - encouraged the audience to give a veteran a simple thank you.

“That will mean more to them than any medals,” he said.

And so, to all those who have worn the uniform and served honorably, we thank you. And we hope you know you are appreciated not just today, but all year round. We dare say that your contributions not only have kept this country strong, but have made this a better world. God bless you.

Opinion, Pages 5 on 11/11/2009

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