Nov. 11 marks Veterans Day
By SETH GRIFFIN
Issue date: 11/12/09 Section: Features
Ken Ritchie, Melvin Senter and George Bolt all served in the Vietnam War in the United States Army. Ritchie served in the 40th Infantry Division and Senter and Bolt were a part of the 101st Airborne Division.
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year, people all over the U.S. will celebrate the service and sacrifice members of America's armed forces have given in the line of duty.
Nov. 11 is designated by the federal and state governments as Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and gratitude dedicated to those who have served their country as part of the military. It began as Armistice Day, a celebration of the day that marked the end of World War I. It was rededicated in 1954 to the veterans in all wars of which the U.S. has been, is or will be a part of, thus Veterans Day was created.
America's veterans, whether drafted or volunteers, receive recognition for their service to their country. Ken Ritchie, George "Doc" Bolt and Melvin Senter are all members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post and all are Vietnam veterans.
To these men, the gratitude that should be associated with Veterans Day is very meaningful. All three agreed that the holiday should be a day of appreciation and awareness. Too often, the day is used as an excuse to stay home and barbecue, with little thought given to its importance. Senter said, even if people cannot attend the ceremonies, they should still be mindful of the significance of the day and be thankful.
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