A salute to veterans

All that we have we owe in no small part to those who fought for and protected the United States of America.

On Tuesday, many elections were conducted across the country. The right to vote is a precious freedom. Men and women in our armed forces have died to protect that right and others that are guaranteed in our Constitution.

Next Tues., Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. Except for banks, schools and government offices, it doesn’t count as a holiday for many of us.

But that’s no reason to forget the men and women who are serving our country in Afghanistan or Iraq or other places abroad or at home. Let’s remember, too, those who served in other wars while defending our way of life.

Our country isn’t perfect. Crime and poverty are rampant in inner city neighborhoods. Racism, ageism and religious persecution still exist. Millions of Americans have no medical insurance. A high school education is available to everyone, but too many don’t take advantage.

Despite our problems, the vast majority of us wouldn’t trade places to live in any other country. We always harbor hope for a better tomorrow.

So we salute those men and women who are serving or have served honorably in the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.

Whether it was during peacetime or at war, whether it was at home or overseas, whether they were officers or enlisted personnel, we appreciate them for serving our country.