To the editor:

Veterans Day is Nov. 11, a time to pay tribute to all veterans, living or deceased, for their service. While Veterans Day honors veterans, it also honors all those who paid in life and blood. Whose moms never saw them again, whose dads wept in private, siblings who lost a best friend and loved one, whose wives raised kids alone, and whose kids only remember them from pictures. This isn’t simply a day off. This is a day to remember that others paid for every free breath you ever get to take. Freedom.

Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, when the horrific conflict of World War I finally came to an end — in the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. President Dwight D. Eisenhower formally changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1945 to honor veterans past and present.

Our veterans have acted selflessly in their efforts to protect our nation and its people. They love our country and have proudly worn their uniforms — Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy and Space Force.

Many have also paid a high price in their service, suffering physical and psychological wounds or both. They have endured long periods away from their families and friends. But time and time again, the American veteran was the only line between good and evil, between living in freedom and living under tyranny.

The Albert A. Gonyea VFW Auxiliary 3357 of Saranac Lake would like to thank the veterans and their families for their service and dedication to our nation. Thank you for all that you have done because you love the United States and its opportunities, freedom and democracy.

Please join us as we recognize our veterans on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Harrietstown Town Hall. We will have a ceremony starting at 11 a.m., with a reception following. These events will be held downstairs, and all are welcome.

St. Armand’s Veterans Memorial Park will be holding a Veterans Day ceremony at 2 p.m., located next to the St. Armand’s Town Hall. The Memorial Park recognizes all the Veterans who served in various conflicts from St. Armand’s Township.

We hope you will join us in recognizing these men and women who have served us and our country.

Gina Rabideau Norton

President

VFW Auxiliary 3357

Saranac Lake