Above: The annual parade and ceremony in honor of Veterans Day will take place downtown tomorrow morning. Here’s a reminder of why we hold the observances. (Photo by Chris Wraight)
While today was a day off from school and offices in honor of Veterans Day, the real deal is tomorrow. That means the Town will be holding its annual ceremomony at the All Wars Memorial in the morning.
The morning is forecast to be a chilly one. But, as I tell my kids, military members don’t get to decide what conditions they serve in. We can bear the weather for the time it takes to honor them.
In looking back at past coverage on the blog, I came across a passage written by Southborough’s VFW Commander Steve Whynot shared by Susan several years ago.
It’s about the significance of the day, and it’s as applicable now as it was then.
In 2009, Whynot referenced recent deaths of military members and others continuing to proudly serve. He followed:
(click to enlarge)
Those who wear the uniform of our country put their lives on the line 24-7-365. Those who wear the uniform of our country carry on the tradition, honor and pride of the men and women who went before.
Make note, those serving today were not drafted. They volunteered. They entered the service of their choice in order to better themselves and this world and they swore the same allegiance to this country to “defend it – against all enemies – foreign and domestic” as those who have gone before them.
So as I have in the past, I ask each of you to take time on this Wednesday November 11th 2009, to remember our Veterans and to thank a Veteran for their service.
Keep in your thoughts, those serving at this very moment. Feel in your heart the pain of those families that have lost a loved one.
Remember those who are recovering from their wounds physically and emotionally at home and at Veteran Hospitals around this nation or sadly even in the streets of our nation.
This day isn’t about half price sales; advertisements announcing special video game releases or a buy one get one free slogan. It isn’t just about a day off from school.
It is about honoring the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – The end of the War to end all Wars. Sadly, we know all to well that hasn’t happened.
It is about honoring the sacrifices of those who have defended this country in our past and those who serve our country today.
Thank a Veteran. Shake their hand. Welcome them home.
Express your appreciation for a job well done with a simple “Thank you for your service”
Remember this Veterans Day.
Steve Whynot
Commander
VFW Post 3276
As for tomorrow, you can find details on the 11 am ceremony (preceded by a 10:45 am parade) in my post from earlier this week.
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Steve Whynot
7 years ago
Beth – Thanks so much for re-posting my thoughts from 2009. Very much appreciated and still very much appropriate.
On behalf of John Wilson, all Veterans and myself – We wish to thank everyone who joined us this past Saturday for our Veterans Day Observances. We appreciate all that attended despite the cold – to share this important day with us. To the Police, Fire, Scouts, Selectman(women), Rep. Dykema – Buglers and singers… Thank You!!!
Beth – Thanks so much for re-posting my thoughts from 2009. Very much appreciated and still very much appropriate.
On behalf of John Wilson, all Veterans and myself – We wish to thank everyone who joined us this past Saturday for our Veterans Day Observances. We appreciate all that attended despite the cold – to share this important day with us. To the Police, Fire, Scouts, Selectman(women), Rep. Dykema – Buglers and singers… Thank You!!!