By Peggy Goodrich, Commentary
Have you thanked a veteran today for his/her service to our country? Think about it.
Regardless of how we feel about the war, we must support our troops. They simply are doing their job of protecting this country and obeying orders. Our men and women serving in all branches of service are there because they want to serve their country. They are right where they volunteered to be so they are not surprised when they are sent to a war zone. We must let them know how much we appreciate their sacrifice and service.
We also must remember and thank those who have served their country in the past. Veterans Day was set aside to honor veterans who had served in previous wars. We salute and honor those who served to defend this nation in one way or another. Only about 10 percent of our veterans actually see combat but everyone who serves does their job, and all jobs are im-portant to the security of this nation. We honor and salute all of those who served.
These veterans we are honoring were in every branch of armed services who served this country with pride. These veterans have the quiet dignity of men and women who know the price of freedom. Their politics do not matter. Whether they are Republicans, Democrats or Independents, they are first and foremost Americans.
Our honored veterans are sons, daughters, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, brothers, sisters or a spouse. They are plumbers, doctors, salesmen, factory workers, farmers, bank-ers, mechanics, teachers or other career people. They are Catholic, Protestant, Jew-ish and other doctrines. Regardless of their religion, they know this country was founded on faith and they stand ready to defend its beliefs and its land.
Our veterans, more than anyone else, love peace. They know the price of war. They love this country. They know the frightening ex-istence of war and they never will forget that strife and always cherish the calm and comfort of home.
Veterans hear the same sounds and see the same sights we do, but they hear and see them through different ears and eyes. They hear “Taps” with a reverent respect the rest of us probably do not sense. They revere the flag beyond what we feel.
Our veterans are leaders. They may not be high-ranking officers but in their way, they all were leaders. In their war efforts, they were all peacemakers ... not just peacekeepers. They are first to volunteer to solve any trouble, and they are the last to give up until disputes are settled.
Veterans know history because they are part of it. They are living legends, having withstood many adverse actions. They served in the Civil War, World War I, The European and Pacific Theaters of World War II and all other wars to protect our freedom and make the world a better place to live. They marched where seemingly no one could tread, swarmed in water onto beaches of battle, slept in foxholes where conditions of noise, fear and stench almost were unbearable. Yet these veterans never complained.
There cannot be enough said or done for the veterans who fought to keep America free. We owe them many thanks and much appreciation and honor for their jobs well done. We must never forget those who gave the supreme sacrifice of their lives.
No matter how gray a veteran’s temple grows or how many inches are added to the midsection, they always walk with a distinctive pride that is not given to lesser people. We can walk with pride, too, in a free country because of what our veterans gave.
People on the home front did their part during World War I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and other conflicts to support our troops. During World War II, many commodities were rationed and we sacrificed butter, sugar, gasoline, tires, stockings and many other things, all in the hope of victory. We grew victory gardens and bought war bonds. We willingly did without things in support of our troops so they might have a few comforts and good food.
Many women who had never worked outside the home went to work in defense plants making airplanes and repairing them. Women who served in the military did all kinds of jobs, freeing the men to fight in combat. They need to be honored and thanked, too.
Isn’t it about time we baked up a batch of goodies and delivered them to a veteran to express our appreciation for a job well done for this great country? These can be mailed to our active troops, too.
Candy Hash
1/4 cup sliced roasted almonds
1 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 cup Captain Crunch cereal
1 cup Rice Krispies cereal
1 cup miniature marshmallows
1 lb. white chocolate coating
Combine almonds, peanuts, cereals and marshmallows in large bowl. Melt white chocolate and pour over mixed ingredients. Stir well and plop onto waxed paper to set and cool.
Veterans, we salute you, we thank you, we appreciate your sacrifices and we love you. God bless you and our United States.
Send your comments to: Peggy Goodrich, Food For Thought, P.O. Box 1192, Enid, OK 73702.
