Veterans deserve recognition for all they do, have done

A society ought to be judged on how it treats its young, its seniors and its veterans.

Every year South Lake Tahoe honors its veterans on Nov. 11 – much like what is going on elsewhere in the country on this Veterans Day. For this, we should be proud as a community.

The ceremony is on Highway 50 at the American Legion at 11am – so stop by or honk as you pass by.

Unfortunately, though, it’s one of those traditions that seems to draw the same familiar faces. Yes, this is a workday for many. Still, others aren’t into things like this. But think about the time these men and women have given to protecting our country. Don’t they deserve 30 or 60 minutes of your time?

No matter the reason you won’t attend this or some other celebration honoring all the men and women who have served in the Armed Services, pause for a moment. Think about what it would be like if this all volunteer military were not there.

What if you had to serve a year or two? Many countries make it a mandate. Could you handle it? How would it affect your life? Your outlook on the world?

For a moment forget about the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Forget about the past – the Vietnams, World Wars and other battles.

Veterans Day isn’t about being pro military or anti-military, it’s not about being for or against any war. It’s not about thinking the United States should play big brother to the rest of the world or not.

It’s about people. It’s about people willing to do the work most of us would never want to do, let alone be capable of doing.

The Coast Guard churns the waters of Lake Tahoe. National Guard units are in Reno and Sacramento. Fallon Naval Air Station is to the east of Tahoe, while Travis Air Force Base is to the west.

Our law enforcement units are filled with men and women who have served in the military.

Men and women in uniform surround us.

Next time you see one of them, say thank you.