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When So Much Rests On So Few Honoring America’s Service Men And Women

photo by provided Vermont Army National Guard soldiers Katie Kayhart and Cheryl Ballard.

Tuesday November 1, 2016

By Cookie Steponaitis

America is a nation that treasures freedom and stands as a place of opportunity and promise to people the world over. As a country it prizes the individual rights of speech, press, assembly, the right to address the government for grievances and religious freedom among many others. Currently its Armed Services are stationed in over 150 nations with 150,000 currently stationed outside the United States. With a current 1.4 million service men and women and approximately 800,000 in the reserves, it is a staggering reality that only one percent of the American population is active military. In comparison to the 15% of the adult population who served in World War Two today’s Armed Services is asked to serve in more places standing for American freedom and freedom in other places on the globe.
    Veteran’s Day is a national holiday for a multitude of reasons and honors those who served or are serving in the United States Armed Forces. Whether it is the laying of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown, talking about service to school children or pausing to reflect on what freedom is and how critical it is to our way of life, people all over America use Veteran’s Day as a way to give thanks. What happens the rest of the year for most Americans is a blissfully busy life with attention on work, home, family, news and upcoming elections. For the one percent who serve, the other 364 days include more of the same. While America sleeps, they serve. When America awakens, they serve. When America asks, they give. When America is under attack they stand between America and enemies by choice and put service above self.
    Addison County resident Katie Kayhart joined the Vermont Army National Guard in 2009 seeking money for an education and career opportunities. What she discovered about herself and gained was so much more than that. “Veteran’s Day for me is a time to honor my sisters and brothers who have made the ultimate sacrifice so we can all live the fortunate lives we have. I wish that Americans could see through a soldier’s eyes and understand. I believe it would open their eyes. We serve our nation proudly and feel that America is our gift and our responsibility.” Like Kayhart, Addison County is full of families with members who served or currently are serving. It is not unusual to ask in a school assembly how many have family in the Armed Services and to see over three-quarters of the audience stand up. When questioned many share their loved one is on their second, third or fourth tour of duty. Veteran’s Day is close at hand and the Valley Voice salutes the efforts, diligence and thanks all those past, present and future who serve so that America may stay free for yet another generation.

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