Honor all those who defended nation
Veterans Day is that special day dedicated to remembering and paying tribute to those Americans who courageously defended the freedom that we enjoy today.

These were young men and women who interrupted their careers, gave up their comfort and safety by leaving their homes and families for the country they loved. They did so to preserve the freedoms forged by their ancestors and other Americans who made the same sacrifices to keep their country an independent nation.

Many paid for that love with their lives. Countless others are suffering from partial or total disability and must spend their lives on beds of suffering and pain.

We should always remember to honor the great services of our veterans and the many pains and sacrifices that they endured to preserve our freedom. It was President Franklin D. Roosevelt who said, "The nation that forgets its defenders will itself soon be forgotten."

As a tribute to those who defended and fought to keep America an independent nation, our many veterans organizations observe the day with reverent prayers and solemn and patriotic ceremonies. According to Veterans Affairs' statistics, 45 percent of veterans are above 65 years of age, and in five years about 1.6 million will be above 85 years of age. Also, we are losing more than 1,500 World War II veterans each day.

It is our hope and desire that these veterans services will instill a respect for veterans in today's youth, to whom the torch of liberty and American values and traditions will be passed in the near future. With that in mind, Anne Schoff, commander of the Veterans Alliance of Raritan Valley, recently announced that the group's annual Veterans Day Parade will be held at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11.

The parade will begin with services at the Doughboy Monument on Raritan Avenue in Highland Park and will be made up of veterans groups, schools, government organizations and many civilian organizations including Scout groups, police and firemen.

After brief appropriate services, the parade will march down Raritan Street to George Street in New Brunswick, then turn left and have services and a gun salute by the John Basilone Marine Corps League under the direction of Sgt. Mel Meszaros. Taps will be sounded by Dan Torrisi. Mayor James Cahill of New Brunswick and Mayor Meryl Frank of Highland Park will offer brief addresses. A reception for all in attendance will be held at the Elks Club after the services. I will serve as master of ceremonies.

As a tribute to our servicemen and servicewomen who are deployed defending our nation throughout the world and especially in Iraq, the parade and services will be an opportunity to show that America cares.

Fly the flag as a means of support. It is an honor and a privilege to remember veterans on this day. It is because of the courage and bravery of these veterans that the flame of freedom burns brightly today.

Joseph Ziemba

Supervisor Veterans Interment,

Middlesex County