We Appreciate Your Service
Do you know what we should all be doing this Friday, November 11th? I’ll give you a hint. That’s Veterans Day. We need to say thank you to the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of this country. 
I’m Zulah Talmadge, Editor of The Shady Pines Gazette news.
I will be thinking about my father on that day. He’s a retired Colonel in the Army. Since he’s not actively serving that makes him a veteran.
I haven’t seen him in a while ’cause he lives up north. But you can be dang on certain I will call him this Friday. He says he learned important life lessons in the army like teamwork, achieving goals, honor and the importance of service to others.
How Veterans Day Started
We have to go way back to the year 1919 to find out how it began. This national observance used to be called Armistice Day — a day to celebrate the end of World War I.
The name was later changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor veterans of all wars.
It’s kinda sad to realize just how many wars the United States has been involved in, isn’t it? So many men and women have made a lot of sacrifices for the freedom we enjoy today. 
Any chance we get, we should recognize them for their service.
Do You Know the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
I don’t know about you, but most people confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day. They’re actually very different. I did some digging and discovered the difference is important to keep in mind.
I found some information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country. This is especially true for those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.
“While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military — in wartime or peacetime.”
Remember To Thank Them
I know we’re busy doing other things. We don’t stop and appreciate all that we have. Let’s face it. We tend to forget the thousands of Americans who have done so much to make our lives a little better.
Here’s an idea. Even if you know someone who is currently serving, Veterans Day is a great time to tell them “Thank You For Your Service.”
Why, here in Shady Pines, seven year old Ray Robinson’s dad is away right now serving overseas. Ray says on Veterans Day he’s going to write to his dad and make sure he knows how much 
Ray and his mom love him and hope he can come home soon.
Ray is very proud of his dad who taught him to be honest, kind and respectful of others. His dad reminded Ray to help out around the house and be good to his mother while he’s 
gone.
This Friday let’s all take a moment to remember that someone’s family member may be a long way from home right now serving our country.
And their kids are waiting for them.
– Zulah out
Thank you for the reminder Zulah. Very good.
This was very nice
No one ever explained the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day before. Interesting
Very sweet reminder that parents are often away from home serving our country and their kids are left waiting and wondering.
It’s so clever the way the characters talk about real events. Thank you Shady Pines
Thank you for clarifying the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. I had never thought about it. And, you’re right: our country sure has been in a lot of wars. That makes for a lot of veterans. My father was one.
I’m glad you found the information useful. Thank you!
Very important to remember
Always appreciate Shady Pines’ view of holidays. Thank you for the reminder to remember the Veterans around us.
Thank you!
Good message
I really like the part about Ray’s father being overseas and the impact on his son. That got to me.
My brother used to serve in the Air Force. I’m glad you did this post.
Thank you Zulah for reminding us of what really matters.