Remembering those who serve

Yesterday, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, communities across the nation, including Gunnison, paused to honor those who have served in our nation's armed forces.

In Gunnison, members of American Legion Post 54 marked the occasion by raising the American flag at the park that bears the Legion's name.

Veterans Day traces its origins to Nov. 11, 1918, when an armistice brought an end to the fighting between Germany and the Allied nations in World War I. The armistice came seven months before the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, which formally ended the war.

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first observance of Armistice Day. In his proclamation, he wrote:

“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

In 1954, Congress changed the holiday's name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day, expanding its purpose to honor all Americans who have served in the armed forces.

Veterans Day deserves more than a passing acknowledgment. It is an opportunity for us to come together as a community, recognize the service and sacrifice of our Veterans, and remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country and its freedoms.

As a reporter, I reflect on the words of Charles M. Province, a Veteran and author of several books on military history:

"It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."

Those words about the soldier and the freedom of the press resonate deeply with me. I think of my father, who was drafted in June 1945, shortly after Germany surrendered. He served stateside as American troops began returning home from Europe.

His brother, my uncle, served aboard transport ships traveling between England and Normandy during the D-Day invasion, helping carry American, Canadian and British troops across the English Channel to the beaches of France to fight Nazi Germany. Several other members of my family also served during World War II.

Another uncle served in the Pacific with the U.S. Navy, helping repatriate Japanese nationals from Manchuria to their homeland.

Yet another served in the United States Marine Corps Band and performed at the White House for President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

They all survived the war, but their service has remained an important part of my family's history. I think about them on Independence Day and Veterans Day. These personal connections to our nation's history, and the sacrifices made by those we love, make the meaning of Veterans Day especially personal.

I am grateful to all who have worn, and continue to wear our nation's uniform, especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

The American Legion has played an important role in honoring veterans since its founding. Chartered by Congress in 1919, it is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization. Here in Gunnison, returning World War I veterans gathered at the courthouse in October 1919 to organize a local American Legion post.

Today, the Legion continues its commitment to mentoring young people, supporting community programs, promoting patriotism and national security, and serving fellow veterans and members of the armed forces.

The American Legion and other veterans organizations have long advocated for recognizing the service of all who have worn the uniform. Veterans Day is an opportunity for each of us to join them in expressing our gratitude.

Let us take a moment to remember, honor and thank those who have served. Their sacrifices helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today.