VETERANS DAY

Today is the day that we honor our veterans who put themselves in harms way so that we could live in this country without fear from our nation’s enemies. Many of these men and women freely volunteered their services and some over the years never made it home. They left behind family and friends and we should also remember those that they left behind. Many veterans were also injured and their lives were forever changed by their time in the service.

So please take the time today, and everyday to thank these brave men and women. They sacrificed much in the service of their country.

It is unfortunate that we have to have a special day to honor these men and women, but people and countries often do not get along, and these disagreements are often settled by hostilities. Disagreements between countries, tribes, men go back as far as human history.

It is sad that the world is unable to put aside their differences and get along. This goes back to the previous article about prejudices. We are taught not to trust strangers and that our cause is always right. Just as others are taught to hate us, it could be national interests or religion or just the color of our skins.

Hopefully the world is making progress, look at the European Union as an example or the uniting of the fifty states here in America. Maybe the election of Barack Obama will help us to see all people as people. Until that time armies will exist and our young people will be sacrificed. It is very sad.

Here in Kodiak we are very lucky. The Coast Guard here does a lot of good. Rescuing people at sea, even if they are not citizens of this nation. This is a branch of the service that crosses boundaries and fosters good will towards all men, a step in the right direction.

Thank you veterans.