Veteran's Day 2021

November 2021

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VETERANS DAY

REMEMBER AND HONOR

The Sentinel

Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021

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By Mark DeVecchis “Sad will be the day when the American people forget their traditions and their history, and no longer remember that the country they love, the institutions they cherish, and the freedom they hope to preserve, were born from the throes of armed resistance to tyranny and nursed in the rugged arms of fearless men.”1 Roger Sherman’s warning is still very timely. He was warning us back at the time when this country was founded. In many ways the founding fathers were so prescient that it is downright unnerving. In reading the original documents, both those of the founding such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States and The Bill of Rights, as well as other documents, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers which let us know what the Founders were thinking, I have come to really appreciate how unique they were for their time and ours, and how relevant they still are.

They knew of the caveats to consider and addressed them in their writings. They studied the philosophers like Locke, Montesquieu and Hume, among others. Brilliant minds that were studied and applied to the times, the early to late 1700s. But one can say that for all their problems and political impediments, the problems were not new, nor are they today. Just the surrounding circumstances.

But those in the past were dedicated to freedom and that call today is still answered by those who still rise to the Country’s call.

Our Veterans. Who are these men and women who serve the United States? If you look up the definition of veteran, it is those who were in the military forces of the United States. It does not distinguish male, female, black, white, war zone or

not – only that they served.

It does not designate that they were drafted or enlisted but rather that they gave their time and possibly their life to serve their country.

And while maybe not agreeing with current policy, they were there and are there to protect America’s interests first and foremost. That is what this day is all about – those who serve and have served to protect our country.

Most veterans I know did not do it for the recognition, the discount offered for lunch, awards, specials, or story time – they did it for any number of reasons…

It was the right thing to do; they believed in America; they were drafted, they had nowhere else to go, or it seemed like fun. Maturity tempers their fevers, and they are trained to be soldiers and to defend the home ground and America’s interests, much as it was done when this Country was founded. To preserve and protect the freedoms our first veterans secured for us. Our first Veterans came about through the Revolutionary War. One can say it was June 14,1775, the day George Washington was authorized to take command of the Army and it became official.

And what did the veterans and America get in return?

Former Marine and Georgia Governor Zell Miller wrote in his book Corps Values, that we received, “Soldiers who hold to values. Over the years, the more I have thought about them, the more convinced I have become that these values constitute a formula for the survival of a society in which individuals can achieve for themselves and, at the same time, contribute to the advancement of mankind as a whole. What are those values? I will list them…

1. Neatness

2. Punctuality 3. Brotherhood 4. Persistence 5. Pride 6. Respect 7. Shame 8. Responsibility 9. Achievement 10. Courage 11. Discipline 12. Loyalty”2 There is no doubt, those in military service since the beginning were a new breed of warrior that exemplified these attributes. Warriors out not to conquer, but to secure the blessings of liberty and freedom for those who do not have it or were in the process of losing it. A country that started out to secure their own freedom and then being dedicated to helping mankind in their struggle for freedom and a better life since that time – and the United States wants to share that freedom, philosophy, and independence of spirit and mind.

That generosity has taken us many places since then. One of the largest and most all-encompassing was World War I. This was to be the “war to end all wars.” It was a hopeful dream all to be quickly dashed. While figures vary, the United States had 116,708 deaths.

Allied losses, including ours, were 5.7 million. The Central Powers were about 4 million.3 It was at this time in 1921 that the first unknown soldier was buried at Arlington creating what is now known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. “The idea of honoring the unknown dead of World War I originated in Europe. France and England first paid such honors on 11 November 1920. Italy and other European nations soon followed. The commanding general of American forces in France, Brig. Gen. William D. Connor, learned of the French project while it was still in the planning

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stage. Favorably impressed, he proposed a similar project for the United Sates to the Army Chief of Staff, General Payton C. March, on 29 October 1919. March felt this would need to be a Congressional decision and asked for a delay since at that time America had unknown dead but felt they would be identified. On 21 December 1920, Congressman Hamilton Fish, Jr., of New York introduced a resolution calling for the return to the United States of an unknown American soldier killed in France and his burial with appropriate ceremonies in a tomb to be constructed at the Memorial Amphitheater in Arlington National Cemetery. The measure was approved on 4 March 1921 as Public Resolution 67 of the 66th Congress. It included a provision for the construction of the tomb of the unknown soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.4 Veterans day, originally known as Armistice Day, was officially designated by a Congressional Resolution on November 11, 1926, in celebration of the end of the fighting in World War I in 1918 on the 11th hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month, the end of the “War to end all Wars”. Had World War II not broken out 12 years later, we would still know the day as Armistice Day. Veterans Day became a National Holiday by order of Congress on June 1, 1954, Public Law 380 enacted the change and signed by President Eisenhower changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Afterwards, Veterans’ Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October to extend the weekend. Having originally been established based on the end of the War on the specific hour, day and month, there was much confusion and dissension from the public in general, and in

1978 Congress returned it to its original date.

Veterans of the United States began their existence for the United States on June 14, 1775, the date of the founding of the United States Army. They were people who had been an armed resistance because they believed in a new way of life and came to the colonies for that reason, but certainly did not include those who shirked from work or armed conflict. Just prior to the Revolutionary War most of these folks had been involved in the French and Indian War, called the Seven Years War in Europe (1756-1763), which is referred to by some as the First World War. Roughly eight countries became embroiled in this conflict that started with our young George Washington and his soldiers firing the first shots at Jumonville Glenn, Pennsylvania, on May 28th, 1754. Only twelve years later to go into the Revolutionary War on April 19,1775, took intrepidity and a desire to throw off the yolk that was around their necks. The yolk that had followed them from their old country or country of birth to this country to eliminate the mistreatment, torture and squalid conditions they were in. They came here for that “new birth of freedom” for themselves and their families. And unfortunately, throughout our history, that has been something we have needed to do to continue to keep ourselves free.

This became a military to set people free, worldwide, and that continues to this day. A look back shows the United States in Korea, Vietnam, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. None of these wars or engagements were lost, contrary to some opinions. However, what does upset the reflection on the military and the country and

cannot be ignored, is politics – or more directly, walking away from situations we are engaged in.

Who are these people, past and present, who were willing, or at the least, agreeable to give a portion of their lives for this unexpected and potentially dangerous job?

It is roughly estimated that for every soldier on the front lines – that soldier being shot at and shooting at the enemy, there are ten people behind them in the logistics of it all.

There are the medics, clothiers, cooks, truckers, pilots, warehouse people, fuel depot operators, mechanics, ammunition production workers, transportation, food production - preparation and delivery, the field kitchens, hospitals, surgeons, doctors, nurses, aides, technicians, radio controllers and communications as only starters. With the advent of electronics and computers that list has grown enormously. It takes a lot of people who are all essential to the successful outcome of the operation.

One soldier I knew was quick to point out that he was not on the front lines and in some respects felt that he had not wholly done his job. He only flew in supplies, among which was ammunition! Those frontline people, firing that ammunition were more than happy to know he flew in with that supply!! Thankfully, not everyone needs to be on the front line, but when our Nation goes to war, the country goes to war. Farmers produce food, refineries oil, medical personnel…and as above, the list just goes on and on.

Historians discuss what was the turning point in our armed conflicts. The Battle of Saratoga was the one for the (continued on page 3)

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(continued from page 2

and computers that list has grown enormously. It takes a lot of people who are all essential to the successful outcome of the operation.

One soldier I knew was quick to point out that he was not on the front lines and in some respects felt that he had not wholly done his job. He only flew in supplies, among which was ammunition! Those frontline people, firing that ammunition were more than happy to know he flew in with that supply!! Thankfully, not everyone needs to be on the front line, but when our Nation goes to war, the country goes to war. Farmers produce food, refineries oil, medical personnel…and as above, the list just goes on and on.

Historians discuss what was the turning point in our armed conflicts. The Battle of Saratoga was the one for the Revolutionary War – Gettysburg for the Civil War, but what was it for World War II? While there can be many answers, I would argue that the turning point was Pearl Harbor along with the American peoples resolve. It took Congress one day to declare war on Japan. It is said that Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, who planned the attack on Pearl Harbor reportedly said, “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”5 Here is a look at some from our own community, and others, in military service throughout the years.

Bob, who recently passed, was a navigator on a B-52 in the Arc Light missions over Vietnam, bombing Hanoi.

Many of us remember that.

While successful, the negatives were astounding: An announcement on television news the day before it was going to happen. Their orders were that all planes were to fly at the same altitude and distance, and even when escorted by F-5 jets not to engage the enemy airfield or enemy until their plane’s wheels left the ground. Same pattern, height and speed allowed the enemy to zero in on the planes with some consistency. How

many of us have ever had to deal with this level of intensity and anxiety?

Dave flew in a B-24 in World War II. Their plane bombed Berlin. His plane took a hit and shrapnel hit a soldier in the plane. Bob basically pushed the man’s intestines back in and held them there (he was not a medic) as the engine that was on fire was flared out by the pilots, fuel was low and one engine out. They maintained their camaraderie and sanity by taking bets on whether they would make it back or not.

Hugh joined the Army but wanted to fly. During the Vietnam War pilots were trained “on the job” and Hugh became a “scout helicopter” pilot. What was a scout helicopter pilot? He would fly low and fast with a co-pilot over the Vietnam jungle looking for the enemy. His helicopter was initially not allowed to be armed! In some instances, even the Viet Cong conserved their ammo for what was to come. The scout would report the enemy location and the Cobra Gunships would then come in. Eventually, after Hugh armed his helicopter with a .50 caliber machine gun, that rule did change. Whenever one of these scouts were shot down, a mayday would go out and Huey Helicopters would go in to rescue them.

Hugh, in his military career, was shot down seventeen times and survived.

George was in World War II and has since passed. But George was with Patton’s Third Army, and he was in a tank. Anyone who knows anything of Patton (or even saw the movie) knows he moved hard and fast. Our tanks at that time were not equal to the enemy’s tanks.

Georges was hit and flipped on its side. Those tanks were fueled by gasoline and of course carried artillery. His tank was on fire, and George along with the others crawled out of this tank and he talked of remembering the gasoline running down over his face as he exited the hatch!

Bill was in Vietnam. The Viet Cong had a myriad of tunnels everywhere to es-

cape to or to move to another location. They could also live underground and pulled in their dead and put them in openings carved in the dirt inside the tunnels.

Bill’s team would go into these tunnels to ferret out the enemy. Obviously, they also came into contact and were surprised to find the bodies on these openings. The win or loss of a battle was determined by the number of the opposing sides dead. Young soldiers feeling invincible had to be repulsed at the whole experience.

J. T. was a pilot flying in supplies and equipment into the war zones while in the Air Force. It could be anything from Humvees to tanks, fuel or ammunition, or airborne soldiers. It was all part of that network that utilized all the facets of an engagement available. He as a pilot got the airborne soldiers to their destination at the proper altitude, location and speed for their disembarkation.

A fighter pilot in the Vietnam War was assigned to escort not only Bob’s (see above) B-52, but the others in flight, against attack. But he was restricted as to when he could attack – enemy planes had to be in flight. In one instance, when flying over an enemy airfield he could see the pilots walking casually to their fighters preparing to come up and shoot down the B-52’s. As Commander of their airwing, this pilot told his second to continue with the mission and he would be back. He peeled off and, in a surprise, attacked the enemy airstrip, totally crippling their ability to attack the B-52’s. It was a highly effective mission. He was Court-Martialed. Obviously, the military has its rules. When asked, he said he would do it all over again.

God Bless Him! Jack was in Korea. While on mail carry duty, he stopped to observe enemy positions to see if they were

Lewistown, PA—D3

getting close to him. Upon making a small turn, he was hit by a bullet in the arm.

Had he not turned, he would have been hit in the middle of his back instantly killing him.

Jim was a supplies clerk.

Jim’s job was to get material to the soldiers in Vietnam. He was stateside (in the United States), but his mission was crucial. Getting supplies to soldiers is one of the most important jobs one can have. While some might say it was a clerk’s job – but without it, supplies did not flow.

From a friend of mine who flew B-17’s and B-24’s.

“Without warning, eight German planes (Focke-Wulf 190’s) came in at ground level, below the radar, and came right over where we were sitting (in their planes), to the middle of our airfield.

There was a B-17 that was burned out and a B-24 that was burned out…The Fw190’s went right to that B-24 and B-17 with their machine guns going…The first of the 190s was on his dive down. He kept going down and down. He did not pull out and he crashed at the end of the runway. The other planes kept going and shooting at the B-24 and the B-17.”

He continues, “We went out to where the pilot was lying with his plane in flames and found out that he had a bullet in the middle of his forehead. He didn’t look to be any more than 17 years old”6 Americans were young, and Germans were young.

What is sad is that politicians lead us to war. Misguided policies or inconsistencies put soldiers on the front line and those supporting them perhaps at a risk they should never have had to take only to abandon the engagement after countless deaths. If we have a weak spot, this is it. War needs to be deeply thought out for specific reasons or causes

that the entire country will support, know what the outcome needs to be and allow our military to do their job.

If those criteria and others cannot be met, we should not be there, but if they are, we should not leave when the mission is half done or compromised by restricting the military on what they can or cannot do. A war must be fought to win. The last war that was “declared” was World War II, and once that was done, we set up to accomplish it. No nation on Earth had the power, resourcefulness and resolve that the United States did.

When the use of a country’s war machine is called upon, it needs the support of the country itself. The twin towers on September 11, 2011, is a prime example.

We all saw the politicians on the Capitol steps in a show of unity and agreement that we needed to go after the perpetrators of this heinous attack. We were also aware that this would be a longer-term engagement than others because the enemy would need to be searched out and destroyed. Our military has an incredibly good capability to do this, but is hit from behind when the conflict, be it in plans or actions are compromised by those who are most expected to uphold what was originally expected. Sun Tzu, a Chinese military strategist (5th Century BC) writes, “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.”

Those who wish us ill in these times, stand on notice that there are many veterans and current soldiers who will come to the rescue of the United States. Our history does not show that we are a Nation willing to give up everything soldiers and others have fought and died for.

Young people today need to understand those sacrifices made and the blood shed to make this Country the most unique in history.

Enemies foreign and do-

mestic, remember, current military soldiers, our Veterans, remember their oath: I, (name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the president of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. Those soldiers and veterans along with those who believe in the United States of America are here and defend her with their lives and sacred honor.

Looking again at Roger Shermans quotation from the beginning, I believe he would say; “Well done soldiers, well done. The Nation is proud of you!” I would agree, thank you Veterans for your devotion to our amazing country.

Thank you, veterans, for living your Oath and being instrumental in keeping our country free!

God Bless You and America!

1. Roger Sherman early American statesman and lawyer, as well as a Founding Father of the United States.

2. Zell Miller, Corps Values, Zell Miller Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia, 1996 3. http://www.centre-Robert-Schuman.org/ 4. https://www.tapsbugler.com/burial-of-the-unknown-soldier/ 5. https://blogs.va.gov/ VAntage/11713/awakening-the-sleeping-giant-thebirth-of-the-greatest-generation; accessed 10/20/21.

6. Janis Allen, “We Shall Come Home Victorious.”

Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas, KDP, 2020, p 201.

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A. Scott Specht Captain, US Army (ret.)

When I was asked to write this piece for this year’s Veterans Day Special Edition, I was struggling with my own feelings on the withdrawal of US Forces from Afghanistan. I had briefly considered declining the invitation, but I felt a duty to address my fellow Veterans and honor those who never made it home. As part of Task Force Dagger, my team and I were among the first Americans into Afghanistan. We provided surgical support to the warfighters who were sent to bring those responsible for 9/11 to justice.

We worked with many brave warriors on that deployment, some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice. Men like US Air Force

Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021

YOU MATTER!

Technical Sergeant John Chapman who was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions in Takur Ghar on March 4, 2002.

He gave his life during a rescue attempt when he and his team were inserted into a heavily armed enemy stronghold to save a teammate. They were taking heavy fire from an enemy machine gun, and he single handedly assaulted two enemy bunkers killing the occupants but being wounded himself in the process. Despite his injuries, he continued to fight valiantly against a superior force so that his team would survive.

Or US Air Force Senior Airman Jason Cunningham who was the Pararescueman

on the search and rescue team that went in to recover the operators and crew from a downed Chinook helicopter high in the mountains.

When his Chinook was hit by a rocket propelled grenade and went down, he rendered aid to others amid a fierce battle. After being hit himself, Jason continued tending to the wounded until he was no longer able to do so. He then instructed non-medical personnel in providing lifesaving care until he succumbed to his injuries. His actions saved 10 men who would have otherwise perished and made it possible for the remains of seven others to be delivered home. He was awarded the Air Force Cross, which is

awarded for extraordinary heroism in battle against the enemy.

My Army career spanned a total of 23 years and two more combat deployments as a trauma/ICU nurse. I’ve witnessed horrific things, and I still struggle with many of the events, but this story is not about me. It is about you, my Brothers and Sisters in Arms. The division in our country, media coverage, politics, and sometimes our own thoughts have many of us questioning whether it was all worth it. Did our service matter? Whether you served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, or the Global War on Terror, I can most assuredly say your service mat-

tered. Whether you served in peacetime or time of war, your service certainly mattered. You have provided freedoms and opportunities not only for your countrymen (and women), but also for men and women across the globe, and that matters.

You have provided opportunity for generations of ordinary folks like you and I who would have otherwise had none. That matters!

One thing we learned from military life, whether we served for a few years or over a lengthy career, is that despite all our differences, we are the same. We can set aside differences and accomplish great things. We are Americans who were courageous enough to put

our names on the dotted line, in essence, writing a blank check to our fellow citizens for a sum up to and including our own lives. You were there for your country then, and you are once again needed to provide leadership, morals, values, and compassion that our country sorely needs in this moment.

Live big. Pay it forward. Set the example. Your country needs you.

When things get hard, reach out to one another.

Check in with one another.

Join a Veterans organization. Get involved in the community. Never give up the fight. We’ve got your back.

Explore the history of Veteran’s Day Service members make numerous sacrifices in defense of their countries.

While the debts to service members may never be the kind that can be repaid in full, paying tribute to veterans, on Veteran’s Day and throughout the year, can be a great way to show them just how much their efforts are appreciated.

I only, states History.com.

The United States Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday starting in 1938. However, in 1954, after the country had been embroiled in both World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the Act of 1938 by renaming the commemoration “Veteran’s Veteran’s Day begins Day” to honor veterans of with Armistice Day all wars.

Veteran’s Day is a byproduct of the end of World Veteran’s Day in OctoWar I, when Germany and ber? the Allied Nations signed According to Military. the Treaty of Versailles, for- com, for a short time, thanks mally ceasing fighting and to the Uniform Holiday Bill, establishing terms of peace. which in 1968 established On November 11, 1919, the three-day weekends for first anniversary of the sign- federal employees by celing of the treaty, the first ebrating national holidays Armistice Day events were on Mondays, Veteran’s Day held. Armistice Day was was moved to the fourth initially a legal holiday to Monday of October — the honor the end of World War first being October 25,

1971. However, many people did not agree with this decision, continuing to honor the holiday on the original date. In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a new law that returned Veteran’s Day to November 11 beginning in 1978. Since then, parades, memorial events, volunteer efforts, and other celebrations revolving around veterans have been held on November 11.

Veterans around the world Many countries, including the United States, celebrate veterans on or near November 11. America’s closest neighbor to the north, Canada, commemorates veterans on Remembrance Day (also November 11), as does the United Kingdom. Britain also has Remembrance Sunday, which is the second Sunday of November.

Remembrance Day also is called Poppy Day, when people of the Commonwealth member states wear a red poppy flower in honor of military members who have died in the line of duty.

to honor veterans on Veteran’s Day and Remembrance Day. Federal government closings, educational efforts in schools, parades, and visits to military hospitals or cemeteries may take place.

In Europe, it is common to Paying tribute observe two minutes of siThere are various ways lence at 11 a.m. every No-

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How to help veterans in need

Millions of men and women serve in the military and make the sacrifices that such service requires. Risking their lives to serve their countries, veterans sometimes endure mental and physical trauma, returning

home to face uphill battles as they deal with their injuries.

Many veterans in need are not just in need of medical attention. Learning that their efforts and sacrifices are recognized and appreciated

by the ordinary citizens they protect can make a world of difference to veterans as they recover from their injuries. Men, women and children who want to help veterans in need can do so in various ways.

There is no greater act of honor than serving one’s country in the armed forces.

On November 11, Veterans Day, we give tribute to all those men and women who have served or are serving this nation. Thank you for defending America’s freedom and her ideals of justice and equality.

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• Visit a veterans hospital. Contact a local veterans’ hospital to inquire about their volunteer programs.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs notes that each year more than 75,000 volunteers spend more than

11 million hours in service to America’s veterans. Visiting veterans at the hospital to hear their stories can lift their spirits and aid in their recoveries. In addition, veterans’ hospitals may have volunteer opportunities that make it easier for hospitals to operate at optimal capacity.

• Help a neighbor. Unfortunately, many veterans return home with injuries that affect their ability to make it through a typical day without assistance. Disabled veterans may be unable to do their own grocery shopping or maintain their homes. If a neighbor or nearby veteran is facing such hurdles, offer to do his or her shopping or mow his or her lawn. Such tasks won’t take much time but can make a world of difference to veterans.

• Offer professional services free of charge. Professionals who want to help veterans can offer their services free of charge. Accountants can offer to pre-

pare veterans’ tax returns for free, while attorneys can provide legal advice to veterans who need it. Contractors can help disabled veterans by offering to make alterations to their homes for free or at cost.

• Employ social media to help local veterans. Many people who want to help local veterans might not be able to do so more than one day per week. But some veterans may require daily assistance. Men and women can start a locally-based Facebook group for fellow members of their community who want to pitch in to help local veterans. Such a group can make it easier to share information and arrange help for veterans in need.

Many veterans return home from serving overseas in need of help. Offering such help can improve veterans’ lives while letting them know their efforts and sacrifices are appreciated.

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Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021

How to show your appreciation for the military in a unique time

United States military personnel serve both domestically and abroad. Active-duty personnel are following in the footsteps of retired veterans and protecting the freedoms of their fellow Americans while also playing a vital role in protecting millions of non-Americans

The month of November is a special time for the nation’s veterans. While Memorial Day honors fallen soldiers and service people, Veteran’s Day, which takes place each November, is an opportunity to commemorate the efforts of all who have been in the armed forces, with a special emphasis on living veterans. While people are encouraged to thank veterans throughout the year, Veteran’s Day is a particularly poignant time to show your appreciation for the men and women of the military.

Veteran’s Day takes place on November 11 and marks an important moment in history. On November 11, 1918, World War I, known at the time as “The Great War,” unofficially ended when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, took place be-

across the globe.

United States military personnel make myriad sacrifices every day. Recognition of those sacrifices is just one of the many ways Americans can show their appreciation for the military, even during the era of social distancing.

• Help a veteran. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2019 there were 17.4 million military veterans living in the United States. More than half of those veterans are 65 or older. As difficult as social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has

proven for everyone, perhaps no group has sacrificed more than men and women over 65, millions of whom have been separated from their families. Aging men and women spent a year or more isolated at home to protect themselves from a virus that public health of-

ficials acknowledged was especially lethal to people over 65. Adults who want to show their appreciation for military veterans can reach out to local veterans’ organizations and offer to lend a hand. Such organizations may be delivering meals to vulnerable veterans, driving veterans to appointments to see their doctors or get vaccinated or organizing events for veterans who have already been vaccinated. Pitching in to help with such efforts is a great way to show veterans their efforts are still appreciated, even if it’s been decades since they last served.

• Help a military family. Data from the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense indicates that there were roughly 1.3 million active-duty military personnel in 2018. Many of those service members serve overseas for months at a time.

Their families back home can use a helping hand even in the best of times, but they might be especially needy while confronting the pandemic. Though vaccination projections suggest hundreds of millions of Americans will be fully vaccinated by mid-summer, in the

meantime neighbors can help local military families handle life at home. Invite a local military family over for a weekly meal, offer to take kids to a sports practice if it’s safe to do so or help out with chores like mowing the lawn or washing the car.

• Donate to charities that serve the military. Adults who have not been vaccinated and are hesitant to be around others can still show their appreciation for military service members. Various organizations help both active-duty military and veterans, and donating to such charities can be a great way to help an excellent cause. If you’re unsure about which organization to support, visit Charity Navigator at charitynavigator.org.

Charity Navigator evaluates hundreds of thousands of charitable organizations and can be an invaluable resource for prospective donors.

Veterans and active military personnel deserve support. There are various ways for people to express that support, even as the world continues to confront the pandemic.

A day to honor all veterans tween Germany and the Allied nations on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. World War I ended on paper when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919.

In November 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Armistice Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. However, after subsequent wars, including World War II and the Korean War, veterans’ service organizations lobbied for Armistice Day to be revised so it would be more inclusive of all veterans. On June 1, 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to strike the word “Armistice” from the holiday’s name in

favor of “Veterans.” Since then, November 11 has been known as “Veterans Day” and has honored veterans of all wars.

Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October for roughly seven years under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which sought

to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees by celebrating certain national holidays on Mondays. But since November 11 bore such significance, many states disapproved and continued to observe the holiday on November 11.

In 1975, President Gerald

Ford signed legislation to return the observation of Veterans Day to November 11 beginning in 1978. Should the day fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively, according to History.

com.

The United States isn’t the only country to celebrate its veterans. Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and France also commemorate the veterans of World War I and II on or near November 11 as Remembrance Day or Remembrance Sunday.

They sacrifice so much every day, from spending months away from their families to facing peril on the battlefield. They are our nation’s heroes, the men and women who serve in our armed forces. We commend them on their service and salute all who have died in the name of freedom.

Woodlawn, Lewistown| 717.248.6727 Geoffrey A. Burke, Supervisor

Burnham | 717.248.7853 Michael Shoop, Supervisor

Logan Street, Lewistown | 717.248.7823 Dan Kochenderfer, Supervisor

Ensure your family’s peace of mind.

Contact a director at one of our three locations and we will help you make pre-planning arrangements.