EDITORIAL: Pause from politics and honor those who have served America

Posted 11/8/16

You may not be familiar with those names. They are men from the Powell area who were killed in action while serving our country. Their names and photographs are included in the Veterans Memorial on the west side of town, along with those of other …

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EDITORIAL: Pause from politics and honor those who have served America

Posted

After an incredibly long election season, many of us are tired of hearing the names Trump and Clinton.

So instead of giving them more ink on Election Day, we want to recognize Harold Dugger, Darrell Dean Urbanski, Anthony Domingo Duram and Roger L. Scott.

You may not be familiar with those names. They are men from the Powell area who were killed in action while serving our country. Their names and photographs are included in the Veterans Memorial on the west side of town, along with those of other brave men who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces or were prisoners of war.

As we mark Veterans Day this week, it’s important to pause and recognize their sacrifices and those made by many other veterans in our community — from soldiers who served decades ago to those who recently returned home.

Unfortunately, many Americans don’t fully appreciate veterans’ service; all too often, we take for granted the sacrifices these men and women — and their families — have made for our country.

While they deserve our gratitude each day, we especially want to recognize them at this time of year.

Veterans Day was first officially established 90 years ago, when Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance in 1926. It’s common for people to confuse Memorial Day — which honors military personnel who have died in service — and Veterans Day.

“While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime,” according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service.”

This week, the Powell community will do just that.

Powell High School will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday, while Powell Middle School’s annual Veterans Day assembly will follow at 12:30 p.m. Thursday.

The Powell American Legion will host a Veterans Day dinner for all veterans and their families beginning at 6 p.m. Friday.

As a community, we want to honor our local veterans and show them we truly appreciate their service. It’s likely you know someone who served in the U.S. military — a grandparent, parent, brother, sister, son, daughter, cousin, uncle, aunt, neighbor or friend. Be sure to thank them this week.

There are plenty of valuable ways to serve your country, but it takes an entirely different level of courage and commitment to volunteer or be called upon to risk your life and well-being for your country.

With all the bickering, discontent and strife in our country right now, we know a lot of people will be upset with the outcome of today’s presidential election. But at the end of the day, no matter who is elected, we believe America is worth fighting for — and we’re thankful for those who put their lives on the line to do so.

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