The words “duty, honor, country” are values that connect veterans regardless of where and when they served. They salute the flag and stand for the national anthem. They believe in something bigger than themselves and will die to defend us.
Service to country is a way of life based on appreciation of the freedoms our nation offers. It has always depended on a continuum of service and sacrifice, beginning with a declaration that challenged the most powerful nation in the world in July 1776. It was read from The Green in Dover that month to townspeople and farmers.
It didn’t go well. That fall, 32,000 British troops occupied Staten Island and New York, while freezing, shoeless soldiers at Valley Forge foraged for food.
Thomas Paine observed, “These are the times that try men’s souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” More would die from cold, hunger and disease than combat, but our troops persevered, sometimes being joined by their families.
That chain of selfless service continued through two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East and noncombat tours during the Cold War. It is the reason a veteran will risk life and limb to protect a wounded comrade in battle or stop to pick up a fallen flag at home.
That love of country was reflected in the prisoner of war who survived years of beatings, torture and starvation to step off a C-141 at Travis Air Force Base in California on March 17, 1973, and salute the flag.
It is today’s soldier, sailor, airman and Marine and their families who endure separation during multiple tours in any of 170 locations worldwide where up to 200,000 active-duty members are deployed away from home. They range from a single military attache to Marines providing security at American embassies.
Beyond their commitment, bravery and leadership taught from basic training, veterans remain grateful and optimistic about our state and nation. These men and women are part of the nearly 6,000 veteran-owned businesses in Delaware recognized by Gov. John Carney and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long during Veterans Small Business Week Nov. 1-5.
Veterans Day ceremonies are not only about honoring those who serve but are an opportunity for our youth to be inspired by their service.
Each of the three annual ceremonies hosted by the Kent County chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America includes a local high school Junior ROTC color guard and the pledge of allegiance led by a random child from the audience.
Join us at the Kent County Veterans Memorial Park on South Little Creek Road, Dover, today at 2 p.m., for not only an unapologetic display of patriotism but to be inspired, as the 436th and 512th Airlift Wings and the Delaware National Guard are honored in a special ceremony.
Dave Skocik of Dover is the president of the Delaware Veterans Coalition.
