Veterans of all ages deserve respect, thanks

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Except for a few die-hard patriots, mostly older in nature, Veterans Day will pass Friday without much fanfare.

Oh, there will be a smattering of programs in schools and parks, but most of us will get up, go about our daily business and not give the significance of the day another thought until we maybe catch something on the evening news.

That’s a shame; it’s also ironic. We tend to ignore the very men and women who, through the years, have given us the privilege to be so cavalier about the freedom Americans enjoy. We see it as our right, but it continues to be hard won by those who have fought for the cause.

Veterans Day began as a way to mark the armistice ending World War I. It evolved as our national holiday to honor all veterans who have served proudly in our military. For what they have given, honestly, we have given little in return.

The most prominent veteran in our family was my Uncle Joe. After serving in the Navy, he came back to his family very ill and spent several more years in a veterans hospital before he could hope to regain a semblance of normal life.

I don’t recall Uncle Joe talking much about his war experience, but in hindsight, I know he had to be a changed man. I also don’t recall him complaining.

He didn’t ask for thanks, but he certainly deserved it.

Our military men and women don’t ask for much, either, but the least we can do is offer our profound gratitude.

Eric Smerten, 41, Lake Station: “Soldiers live their military careers in a world we can’t even imagine. I don’t know how best to thank them for keeping us safe, but I know, on behalf of my children and their children to come, I am deeply grateful.

“You guys are awesome!”

Bonnie Kolpalski, 73, Lowell: “My dad, John, died in World War II when I was barely out of diapers. My mom kept his memory alive for my brother and me over the years so, even though we grew up without our dad, we were proud of his sacrifice.

“My prayers are with all the brave young men and women who serve our country today.”

Rose Ennis, 65, Merrillville: “Good Lord, I look at pictures of our soldiers today and think they should be carrying books or playing sports instead of toting guns in a desert.

“God bless you all for the gift you’ve given our country.”

Rob Verres, 27, Schererville: “You guys, rock! Seriously, we should be showering you all with our thanks for helping to keep our country, as well as our world, safe.”

Vito Janarus, 81, Schererville: “I don’t care how old we might be … when we see a soldier in uniform, we should give him some sign of our gratitude — a nod, a smile, a thank-you or even a shake of the hand.

“We can’t even begin to know the sacrifices they all make so we might live in freedom.

“Thank you and God bring you home soon!”