Letter: Remember past and present American heroes

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003 | 8:31 a.m.

On this Veterans Day, while our armed forces are under fire to protect our freedoms, we as a country need to take an "operational pause" from the day-to-day noise of society and remember the sacrifices that those before us have made in order for our current citizens to enjoy the freedoms and opportunities available today.

When I was a boy, I asked my grandfather what it was he was fighting for in Europe during World War II. I asked, "Was it because of Hitler or Pearl Harbor?" He answered that it was partly because of that horrific day in Hawaii and partly because of his duty to his country. But ultimately, he said, it was to protect the man next to him in the same situation and to protect his family, community and country from any harm.

He said that our American forefathers had worked too hard and that we as a country had come too far to let anyone or any other country take our rights and freedoms away. As an early Irish immigrant I think this was especially important to him -- the concept of America representing prosperity, security, family and friends. It is this concept, and the determination shown by members of our armed forces, that has grounded our fellow citizens and guided us to victory so many times.

So, please join me on this Veterans Day and raise your glass to the fallen men and women of days gone by and all of our past and present armed services personnel -- true American heroes.

TODD ALLEN