About the only good thing that’s come out of our involvement in Iraq and the Middle East over the last five years is the new found respect many have for those who serve in the Military. If you think about it, with the exception of Operation Desert Storm in the early 90’s we experienced a relatively long period of peace from the end of Viet Nam until this current conflict. During that time it would be easy for some to overlook the contributions made by those in the military, past and present because as the saying goes “out of sight, out of mind.”
We know that is not the case today and young people are growing up in a time of war just like many of us did, whether it be World War II, Korea or Viet Nam. They are witnessing the pain that goes with having family, friends and neighbors serve overseas and return home in uniform. Unlike the 60’s and 70’s when Viet Nam split this country, we are all united in our respect for the men and women who wear that uniform even if we’re divided over the cause they are fighting for.
Today is Veterans Day which marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I in 1918. It is a state and federal holiday in all states although some schools are open and use today to learn about and honor those who have served. Many students will participate in and watch the annual Ocean County Veterans Day Parade in downtown Toms River.
Mayor Tom Kelaher, who served in the US Marine Corps, says this year’s theme is “Thank a Veteran” and one way you can do that is to come out and watch the parade and thank the tens of thousands of veterans who live in Ocean County. The parade starts at 9:30am in the Toms River Shopping Center and follows the same route as the Halloween Parade a couple of weeks ago.
In a related note for the second straight year the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals on St. Catherine Boulevard in Toms River is paying tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. With the help of local Boy Scouts, some 4,780 American flags have been placed in the lawn of the funeral home to commemorate the number of American men and women killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. It’s a striking and sad reminder of the times we live in and that freedom is never free
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