Recognize veterans every day

Wednesday is Veteran’s Day, a time when Americans both honor and remember those men and women who have worn the uniform in service to our country.

This holiday, which is traditionally celebrated at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 to symbolize the time when World War I ended (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month), is a chance for Americans to pay their respects to the millions of those who have served.

Alaska has more veterans per capita than any state in the nation, and the state’s large population of both retired and active duty military members is an indication of just how vet-friendly this state is. Alaskans have a proud tradition of respect and honor for the military — even when we disagree with their mission — and this tradition is something we should all be proud to carry on.

This year there will be several public locations where residents can show their support for our vets. The Wasilla VFW (301 E. Lake View Avenue) will hold a Flag Ceremony to honor veterans at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, and there will be a ceremony sponsored by the American Legion held at the Veterans Wall of Honor in Wasilla at 11 a.m.

Also on Wednesday, there will be a salute to veterans held from 3 to 4 p.m. at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. The community reception will recognize veterans among the hospital staff, volunteers and physicians. For more information call 861-6000.

Veterans Day closures include the Wasilla and Palmer post offices and the Wasilla Library.

Some local schools are also planning celebrations. On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Tanaina Elementary will have a pair of Veterans Day assemblies for students at 10:05 and 10:50 a.m. And Big Lake Elementary will hold its third annual Veterans Day Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 2:15 p.m.

Please consider attending one of these events, or at the very least take time out to thank a veteran for their service. They’ve earned it.

And while it’s nice to recognize our veterans for their service, we should also remember that respect and appreciation for these hard-working men and women shouldn’t be limited to a single day. Instead, we should use Veterans Day as a reminder that it’s important to always be cognizant of the immense sacrifices these people make. Even in peacetime, serving in the military isn’t easy. Service members work long hours, and they and their families often make huge personal sacrifices in the name of this country.

We should recognize our veterans not just on Veterans Day, but every day of the year.