As we prepare to mark Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 11, we recall the words of President Ronald Reagan:
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same ..."
We have our veterans to thank for preserving our freedom. Veterans, those with us and those from days past, are the people who have fought for, protected and too often died for our freedom.
We're always honored to be able to represent the stories of veterans in our newspages. We're inspired by their courage and the depth of willingness to serve.
In today's edition, you can read about Alvin Riese who served in the Navy during World War II. During his Navy days, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean three times, as part of Operation Magic Carpet, which brought 8 million American troops back from abroad. On Monday, the 91-year-old plans to spend his day visiting other veterans in nursing homes.
We hear other tales of heroism, such as Staff Sgt. Josh Koch, a 2003 Monticello High School graduate who in October was awarded the Purple Heart. Koch received a concussion from a mortar blast while stationed in Afghanistan six years ago, and directed other military personnel to safety. He's still in the National Guard, and says, "It's an honor to serve my country. I'll do it until they force me out."
And we can never forgot those who didn't return from service, such as Army Spc. Jakob Roelli of Darlington who died two years ago while serving in Afghanistan.
These are just a few local examples of the men and women we honor this Veterans Day. On Veterans Day, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices they and the multitude of others have made. Whether they be family members, friends, co-workers or neighbors, whether they are veterans of combat or peacetime, remember the service they have given to their country and for us.
Each and every one of us have been impacted by their service, and we owe each and every veteran a debt of gratitude. It is because of them our freedom is, and will be, protected and preserved for generations to come.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same ..."
We have our veterans to thank for preserving our freedom. Veterans, those with us and those from days past, are the people who have fought for, protected and too often died for our freedom.
We're always honored to be able to represent the stories of veterans in our newspages. We're inspired by their courage and the depth of willingness to serve.
In today's edition, you can read about Alvin Riese who served in the Navy during World War II. During his Navy days, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean three times, as part of Operation Magic Carpet, which brought 8 million American troops back from abroad. On Monday, the 91-year-old plans to spend his day visiting other veterans in nursing homes.
We hear other tales of heroism, such as Staff Sgt. Josh Koch, a 2003 Monticello High School graduate who in October was awarded the Purple Heart. Koch received a concussion from a mortar blast while stationed in Afghanistan six years ago, and directed other military personnel to safety. He's still in the National Guard, and says, "It's an honor to serve my country. I'll do it until they force me out."
And we can never forgot those who didn't return from service, such as Army Spc. Jakob Roelli of Darlington who died two years ago while serving in Afghanistan.
These are just a few local examples of the men and women we honor this Veterans Day. On Veterans Day, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices they and the multitude of others have made. Whether they be family members, friends, co-workers or neighbors, whether they are veterans of combat or peacetime, remember the service they have given to their country and for us.
Each and every one of us have been impacted by their service, and we owe each and every veteran a debt of gratitude. It is because of them our freedom is, and will be, protected and preserved for generations to come.
