Showing proper respect for veterans & our country

And in Lewis County, those who coordinated the parade and ceremony did an outstanding job.

We applaud the efforts of the Lewis County High School Junior ROTC as well as the veterans organizations that helped to stage such a wonderful tribute to our military men and women.

Cadet Haley Morgan did an excellent job with her prepared remarks, leaving some in attendance visibly moved.

“If someone had done military service they earn the title of veteran and more. They earn our deep respect and admiration that they are special, cannot be ignored. They sacrifice for the comforts we enjoy, and the list is long of the things they gave to us,” Morgan said.

“Veterans are extraordinary people and they are loyal and dedicated. When terror was a real threat, they showed us they could handle any storm. We owe our lives and our freedom to veterans. They are celebrities and they are also in our hearts and prayers. No one should ever question their worth. These men and women serve us and our country and they deserve the very best.”

Korean War veteran Gerald Wood was one of the three parade marshals. He thanked those on hand.

“Thank you everyone for being here today. It is wonderful that so much is shown in support of veterans here today. So many of our veterans’ lives were cut short, and those who were injured carried those wounds for the rest of their lives. The three of us represent the veterans of the Korean Conflict, and we are sometime referred to veterans of the Forgotten War.

“We are all in our 90s and we are very proud to be chosen or volunteered to defend our country.”

Wood then drilled home the importance of patriotic duty, back in his time of service as well as today and into the future.

“We live in the greatest country on the earth, and it was our patriotic duty to defend it against all enemies.”

Wood reminded those on hand that the American quest of freedom for all and the nation’s Constitution has guided us.

“If we believe in God-given rights and remain true to Him in his guidance and values, we can remain an example of the greatest, most generous defender of justice. May God bless and preserve our nation and may God bless America,” Wood said.

It is clear that in Lewis County, thanks to the efforts of veterans groups, the Junior ROTC, government officials and many members of the public, that our military men and women are remembered and appreciated.

And it is also clear that because of the continued efforts of these people that the principles of freedom and liberty for all will be carried out and live on in the hearts and minds of young and old alike.