Published: November 02, 2009 07:53 pm      

Honoring those who served

EDMOND — We are fortunate to live in the freest country in the world. Those liberties, spelled out in our Bill of Rights, are central to the American identity and pivotal to our democracy. Over the generations, men and women in uniform have stepped up time and time again to defend those precious freedoms. For that they deserve our thanks, our honor and our admiration.

Nov. 11 is Veterans Day, a day set aside each year to honor those who have fought and sacrificed to preserve our freedoms and protect our way of life. It is a day when Americans recognize and give thanks for the bravery, dedication and selflessness of those who have served in the armed forces.

In conflicts across the globe, American men and women have come forward to defend our country and our allies. They have given up the comforts of home and family and put careers on hold — and many have given their lives.

These remarkable men and women have done so much for us that one day hardly seems enough to thank them for their service. That’s why I am working with the Oklahoma National Guard to declare 2010 as the Year of the Vietnam Veteran. Events throughout the year will call attention to their service and the sacrifices of all veterans in our state.

Today, Oklahomans are overseas fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, while others are stationed at other points across the world. Their service is a reminder that our liberties must be constantly defended by each generation.

Even after military service, many veterans continue to make a positive impact in our communities through organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. For many veterans, service to the community and the country is a lifelong passion.

We all know a veteran. This Veterans Day, I hope all Oklahomans will let our veterans know how much we value and appreciate the many sacrifices they have made on our behalf.



GOV. BRAD HENRY may be reached via his Web site at www.governor.ok.gov.