CCHS sophomore and JROTC cadet Alondra Diaz greets and open the door for customers at Applebees on Nov. 11. Applebees offered free meals to veterans in thanks for their service.
By DAVID McMICKLE– Guest Writer
It is cliché these days to thank a member of the Armed Services — “thank you for your service” is so easy to say, but what does it actually mean?
The writer Michel de Montaigne once said, “Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and
the soul.” Today we honor our Veterans, to remember their achievements, their courage, their dedication and to say thank you for their sacrifices.
Strike up a conversation with a veteran — we are real people, with real stories, and have real families who have sacrificed more than this country will ever know. We missed the birth of our children, countless birthdays, reunions, holidays and anniversaries — things that take a toll on you and your family.
Veterans continue to serve our country and community, in many capacities; they serve 365 days a year. While the utopian idea of a society without war is appealing, let us not forget that wars have liberated slaves, shaped countries, defined our history, stopped genocide and toppled terrorists.
Our country is defined by what our 22.3 million veterans did — serve others over themselves.
At Clarke Central High School, Officer Terry Reid, Officer Leroy Owens, Officer Jamal Chambers, Officer Tommy Simmons, Jr, Toawondia Underwood, Lenora Vaughn, David Reynolds, Dr. Robert Lawrence, MSG Garrett Campbell and SFC Lorenda Harris – you are patriots, those that have nobly served, and we owe you a heartfelt debt of gratitude.
My respect will last forever,
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) David McMickle
