Take day to reflect upon veterans' sacrifices

Freedom can be defined as "the power to make one's own choices or decisions without constraint from within or without; autonomy; self-determination."

Today we are free to choose our religion, express our thoughts and to be what we want to be. We are free to make decisions about our lives - decisions that in some countries still are not allowed. These are freedoms we have grown accustomed to, and, sadly, many have come to expect.

However, these freedoms aren't free. They came with a price. In the past century, the world has experienced two world wars, a "police action" in Korea, a conflict in Vietnam, as well as numerous other incidents. Each was to preserve peace and freedom. In each, gallant men and women sacrificed their lives for a cause they believed in.

Unfortunately, younger generations seem to know little of what happened in these conflicts, and as time goes by, sources of reliable information about America's greatest heroes are becoming obscure and tougher to find.

Today, men and women of our armed forces continue making sacrifices to ensure our freedoms. They live with the constant stress of never knowing when they will be sent to some "hot spot" in the world. They live in countries where terrorism is an everyday threat. They work extended duty hours with low pay. Only through their dedication, professionalism and integrity is the mission accomplished and our freedoms maintained.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, we must pause from our busy schedules and reflect upon the sacrifices that the members of our armed forces have made, and continue to make, to protect our freedoms.

Peter L. Gorga

retired colonel

U.S. Marine Corps

North Caldwell

Michael A. Wright

retired master sergeant

U.S. Air Force

Old Bridge