Letter: Reader says remember, honor our vets

To the editor:
As we approach the 95th anniversary of Armistice Day, the forerunner of Veterans Day, let us take time to remember and honor all our veterans. Veterans Day is to honor all who have served, are serving, in our armed forces, a day to honor and thank all who served, in the military, in wartime, and in peace time.
While we can and should say “Thank you” to a veteran, we should also, wherever possible display our American flag in their honor.
What we all can do, and should do, is to make our own individual efforts to display our American flag, to honor all veterans. While we may have different opinions regarding our military effort worldwide, we must forget that these service men and woman are fighting and dying for us each and every day. 
I ask that you do three things:
First, remember our veterans and service personnel in your prayers.
Second, Fly the American flag somewhere on your property. From your house, porch, flagpole, mailbox, garage, anywhere it can be seen. Fly it properly, but do fly it. Any size flag will do, but the more visible the better
Lastly, ask your friends to do the same. Talk to them, email them ask them to fly the flag, and to keep the message going.
Your effort will make you feel good and it doesn’t cost you anything.
As an aside, in 2001, Congress designated the Week of Nov. 11 through Nov. 17 as National Veterans Awareness Week. The resolution calls for educational efforts for our school children concerning the contributions and sacrifices of our veterans. Flying our flag will be a big step in that direction. They too must be kept aware of the sacrifices that so many have made, and are making for us.
To quote Churchill, “We must never forget, we must never forget.”
As another aside, this year we celebrate the 200 year Anniversary of the writing of the “Star Spangled Banner” by Francis Scott Key, during the War of 1812. It did not become our National Anthem until 1931.
When the National Anthem is played, one should show proper respect as one should for flag. They both represent the efforts, and the lives, of many who have helped give us the freedom and the way of life which we enjoy.
William T. Stortz
Bristol