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Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Both holidays were established to recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May, is set aside as a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
While those who died are also remembered on Veteran’s Day, which is observed on November 11, Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security is appreciated and to underscore the fact that all those who served, not only those who died, have sacrificed and done their duty.
On Veterans Day let’s pay tribute to the millions of Americans who throughout our great history placed their lives on the line for liberty. In the years since our nation was born, veterans have given selfless service to our country in time of war and peace. At every critical stage in America’s history, these men and women stepped up when they were needed and their efforts to preserve the freedom we know have made an impact at home and abroad.
For those who decided to make a commitment that countless other Americans who wear a military uniform have done, regardless of the reason, November 11th is their day of recognition. Their service and sacrifice give veterans service organizations, such as AMVETS, a reason for being. It is because our brothers and sisters in arms have so readily and selflessly given so much, that we in turn are obligated to stand ready to support them when they need us.
I am extremely proud to have led the AMVETS organization over the past three years, trying to meet the needs of all veterans, past and present, as well as their families and survivors in our community. We are fortunate to have many organizations such as the VFW, DAV, American Legion and their auxiliaries, as well as veterans representative commissions that take up the cause to ensure our veterans are taken care of and given information in health care, education and benefits.
There is more to be done and I encourage everyone to get involved and join a service organization or volunteer. Also, the hospitals are full of thousands of veterans that may never leave their rooms that would enjoy a smile and conversation. Demonstrate your support for our veterans by giving a few hours of your time when available. Come to Ram Stadium in Mineral Wells, Nov. 12 for Veterans Day Recognition. Check your newspapers for more details.
Speak to you again next week.
Reach Jim Vines at jim.helpingveterans@gmail.com.
Viewpoints
COLUMN: Veteran's Corner
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Letters to the Editor – May 23, 2013
America is being destroyed by voter fraud and the buying of votes by the followers of Karl Marx.
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CNHI EDITORIAL: Seizure of AP phone records an insult to independent press
Distrust of government secrecy has been elevated to an exceptional level with the disclosure the Justice Department covertly examined two months of Associated Press phone records to determine who leaked details to the AP about a foiled terrorist plot.
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NOW HEAR THIS: ‘What we’ve got here is a failure to communicate’
This famous quote addressing communication failure is a classic line from the 1967 movie “Cool Hand Luke,” starring Paul Newman. Strother Martin, who played the role of the warden in a southern prison, would use this phrase every time he gave Luke a good whack with his baton. The concept resonated so well with moviegoers that it was voted No. 11 of the 100 all-time favorite movie quotes according to the American Film Institute.
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Letters to the Editor – May 19, 2013
Do you remember the “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED” sign that the personnel on the USS Abraham Lincoln displayed to greet President Bush when he went out to greet them?
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Guest opinion: Campaign with honor
All politics is local and personal! I hope that you and your family have a wonderful summer, filled with relationship building experiences and times of relaxation. As you do all the things that re-charge us for the next round at work and involvement in community and political activities, let’s reflect on the 2013 local elections for a moment.
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TISCIONE: Woe for calling evil good
You don’t often see “woe” used in an article. It’s a word that has fallen out of usage in our day. But it’s a word that ought to be understood and taken seriously.
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Letters to the Editor – May 17, 2013
As mercury pollution threatens our waterways and carbon pollution-fueled climate change worsens extreme weather, we need someone in Washington who knows how to get things done.
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Letters to the Editor – May 15, 2013
I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to the slobs, idiots and inconsiderate people who continually decorate the beautiful Texas landscape with their trash. I guess it’s really a form of art with beer bottles and cans, boxes, plastic drink containers, food packaging and just about anything else you can think of. It just doesn’t appeal to me. Thank you.
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NOW HEAR THIS: Not by the hairs of my chinny chin chin
I had never really considered this possibility, but every one of the Three Little Pigs was almost certainly a guy. I know that assumption is not particularly popular from an equal opportunity standpoint, but the fact is fairly certain. How do I know? They all three had hair on their chinny chin chins.
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ESTES: Securing a bright future for Texas
Texas businesses have created more than 500,000 jobs since November 2011. Our economy is growing nearly 50 percent faster than the rest of the country and our cost of living remains low.
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Letters to the Editor – May 23, 2013
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
9-year-old Tornado Victim Loved Family, Singing
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Paperless Scanner, Vision of the Future
