John Sheda.

On Saturday, Nov. 11, we will tip our caps and simply say Thank You to the 1,012 Veterans today living in Tama County. I wish I could call each and every one of you and thank you for your service to our country and for a job well done. An interesting fact about Veterans Day is that no apostrophe is needed because this is a day that we honor ALL VETERANS and not any specific Veteran, which would be the reason for the apostrophe.

Also, Veterans Day should not be confused with Memorial Day as it often is. Memorial Day is a time we remember those who gave their lives for this great country while Veterans Day is to honor all our Veterans, both living and deceased.

Another interesting fact is the Poppy. Why do we wear the poppy? Well, during WWl, millions of our soldiers saw all the poppies in Flanders field on the Western Front and many even sent pressed poppies home in letters to their loved ones. Today, the Poppy is still recognized as the world-wide symbol of the first World War.

Now for a little quiz about Veterans Day: (answers will be found elsewhere). Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day to commemorate the end of which war? (WW 11, Korean War, Civil War, WWI)

The best way one can honor and show support on Veterans Day is? (Have parades, Have barbecues, Fly the Flag, Special Ceremonies)

What flower is the symbol of Veterans Day? (the rose, the carnation, the lilac, the poppy)

The President of the United States is our Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. Who is the second person to be in charge? (Secretary of Defense, Vice President, Secretary of State, Speaker of the House).

Despite our many flaws, the United States of America is the greatest country in the world, and our deepest debt of gratitude goes out to our one thousand and twelve Tama County Veterans. Stand proud, Stand tall, Stand strong and Stand united. President Ronald Reagan spoke these words, “Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A Veteran doesn’t have that problem.” THANKS TO ALL VETERANS.

The answers; 1.WW1 2.Fly the Flag 3.The Poppy 4.The Secretary of Defense.