(Pvt. Ralph S. Monteleone, a gliderman with the 82nd Airborne Infantry, sits middle left smoking a cigarette in the hospital. Monteleone broke his back after his Horsa glider was shot down over France during D-Day +!. Sixteen troops died in the plane crash. He and his wife, Angeline, were proud members of ISDA. Peruse the Facebook memory walls below that honor our WWII veterans, and all of our heroes — past and present.)
By: Tony Traficante, ISDA Contributing Editor
“O Thus Be It Ever…”
In this country we celebrate Veterans Day on the anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I, on Nov. 11, 1918. It is a National and celebrated holiday. Its’ purpose is to recognize and express appreciation to all our Veterans … and those military men and women who, today, remain on the “front lines.”
This year, the landscape and celebrations for Veterans Day 2020 will necessarily be a whole lot different, but fear not, the intent of Veterans Day shall endure unless brave men and women falter.
The public displays and reflections of parades and ceremonies may be missing. However, as important as these public expressions are, what counts is that we understand and acknowledge the sacrifices that our military men and women, and their families, have made.
We have been fortunate here in America, in that for years we have been endowed with an extraordinary gift of peace and freedom! It will remain thus, only if we stay strong and our men and women will answer the call of duty.
Veterans have been the foundation of our country. They are neighbors, parents, sons, and daughters, who without fear for themselves took up arms, sailed the seas, or took wing to stand in harm’s way. Too often, we fail to understand the dangers that face our military. They are exposed to threats every day of their military lives.
They are a proud and fearless league of citizens. It is they to whom we owe an undying appreciation for service, dedication, and courage. We who have lived in freedom must always be grateful to those who helped preserve it. It is a debt that we accept and must repay.
Thus, on this patriotic day, hang your heads high, know that you shall walk and be in the company of heroes! We have much to be thankful for, and many to thank!
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many, to so few,” -Winston Churchill.
It is only right, then, we remain ever appreciative of our military men and women. They not only defend these United States, but have helped fight for the liberties of people of other nations who suffer in the grip of tyranny.
May God Bless them, their families and all Americans who will stand proudly with them!
“The nation which forgets its defenders will be itself forgotten.” -President Calvin Coolidge.
