Calhoun County, AL –
No matter if it’s World War II, The Gulf War or the war in Afghanistan or another area of our world, we must remember the brave women and men who have served in their country’s US Armed Services. There are currently 16.2 million veterans in the United States ( US Census) comprised of combat veterans and people who support them, and have served their country.
It is the official Veterans Day is on Saturday 11th November, 2023. Every person in the community is encouraged to be able to recognize those who dedicate an entire portion of their lives in defense of this nation. Calhoun County has a significant number of veterans who have made the county their home since the end of active duty. Being Calhoun County residents, we must take a day out of our schedule to go to the Veterans Day ceremony at Centennial Park followed by the Veterans Day Parade in Anniston. This year is also the year that it will be the first time that Anniston has a Veterans Day parade will also pay tribute to the three World War II vets currently living at Calhoun County: Army vet Pleamer East, Navy vet Harsel Durham and Navy veteran Ralph Bierley, who will take part present in the parade as it moves along Noble Street. A lot people from our World War II vets have died over the years and so paying them respect will show the exemplary qualities that is Calhoun County residents.
The Calhoun Journal spoke with several veterans from the county. They told us that the veterans are extremely proud of the work they accomplished, but are humble about their work. One veteran who wanted not to be identified stated, “It’s kind of sad that the numbers of people attending the Veterans Day parades have become smaller than they were in the past. I don’t think this is an absence of patriotism, but simply different agendas and movements being greater priority.” He explained that without the freedoms that our military provides and guarantees, we wouldn’t have the freedom to discuss other issues or movement.
It is important to keep in mind that on average, 22 veterans end up taking their own lives each day. A large portion of them suffer from post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD) due to the experiences they witnessed as they defended our nation. Every American has a responsibility to let these brave soldiers know that they’re still loved and supported by the nation they fought for.
Many veterans have agreed they believed that Veterans Day should not be a matter of party preference or positions. It’s more than Republicans, Democrats, or Independents It’s about recognizing those who have fought to be able to express a political view that is freely discussed.
If you are able to attend the ceremony be sure to bring your children to observe the kind of people who have been protecting them as they rest in a secure country.
