Editorial
11-11

At 11 a.m. on Sunday, it will have been 89 years since the cease-fire was implemented between Allied and German troops.

One year later then-President Woodrow Wilson declared the day Armistice Day. And in that vein he stated, "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 …"

Now today we can each go to a special celebration to celebrate, support and honor those who have served in our calendar. On Sunday, area residents will have chance at 11 a.m. to do something special they can go and honor the American veterans both living and dead.

Each of our veterans has a different story to tell us. They have experienced things most of us never will and cannot even comprehend.

They have stories about why they enlisted. They have stories about their time overseas. They have stories about their return to the United States and they have stories about their lives since they have returned.

There are positive stories such the meaning of the U.S. flag or helping out civilians in the war zones.

There are horrifying stories such as the experiences of the men and women in battle or the views when liberating a concentration camp. Or the fear of Vietnam veterans to tell the public that they have served because of the public dislike of a politically unpopular war.

But each of these stories is part of our history. We need to listen, learn and support.

A veteran recently said that the number one is the symbol of prayer. So let us remember that on the eleventh hour of this eleventh day of the eleventh month.