November 11 is Veterans Day

Honoring the American patriots who answered the call of duty to protect the nation and preserve freedom, the Thurston Board of County Commissioners signed a proclamation designating November 11 as Veterans Day.

"Thurston County is recognized as one of the most military-friendly counties in the state of Washington, with more than 28,000 veterans calling it home. Long after leaving the uniform behind, Thurston County veterans continue to serve our community as public servants, mentors, teachers, community leaders, parents and neighbors," stated the proclamation, signed by the commissioners yesterday, November 8.

Kurt Hardin, an Army veteran who now serves as Thurston's Emergency Services director, urged the people to reflect on the fact that "one percent of people in the country will put on the uniform to defend the country – that is one percent defending on the 99%."

Thanks to families

"We appreciate the people that serve. But I also want to thank… friends and family. We could not do what we did for our country without the support of friends and family,” said Hardin.

"They put up with the deployments, the long absences and everything else," added Hardin.

BOCC chair Carolina Mejia also honored the military families who supported the men and women in the service. "Freedom is not free. Many families have given their sons, their spouses, their significant others, and they have given the ultimate sacrifice."

"It takes a village when it comes to supporting our military families… we will always honor and support the selfless sacrifices and courage of our military spouses, children, and families," commented Commissioner Gary Edwards, a veteran himself.

Laniece Milam, Thurston County Veterans Program manager, informed the public about the history of November 11 as Veterans Day.

Milam said World War I ended when a truce was signed at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, saying "the war ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month."

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.

The United States Congress has provided that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor the nation's veterans.