Veterans Deserve Our Thanks

Monday is Veterans Day and once again the annual Veterans Day Parade will take place in the morning and follow the same route in downtown Toms River as the Halloween Parade just a couple of weeks ago. It begins at 9:30 by the Office Lounge and will conclude in front of Toms River Town Hall on Washington Street. There will likely be a ceremony afterwards which will include the laying of a wreath at the veteran’s monument.

Veterans Day was originally created to honor those who died while serving their country during World War I and was first called Armistice Day and fell on November 11 because that’s the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended the war in 1918.  However in 1954 the holiday was changed to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans in all wars for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice.  Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday of May is when we pay tribute to those who died while serving in the armed forces.

It is never too late to thank those who have served and more importantly are still serving to protect our freedoms.  We are clearly more aware than ever that military members returning from combat often face even greater challenges here then when they were overseas.  Our support for them has to be more than just waving a flag during a parade…our country owes them a debt of gratitude that needs to be repaid.  As individuals we can show our support in simple ways from attending Monday’s parade to donating to various veterans’ organizations.

Like many of his generation my late father enlisted in the Marine Corps during the later stages of World War II by forging a signature.  He was discharged later but then recalled during the Korean War.  His service was something that was important to him just like those who continue to serve today.  Thank them when you can.