On November 11th each year we celebrate Veterans Day, a day initially called Armistice Day in celebration of the ending of World War I, “a war to end all wars”. In 1954, following the greatest mobilization of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Airmen our country has ever seen (World War II) and the heroic fighting of the Korean conflict, Congress replaced the word “Armistice” with the word “Veteran” and proclaimed November 11th as a day to horror ALL veterans, living and dead, for their commitment to our country.
And so it is that on behalf of the citizens of Guthrie, I say THANK YOU to all the brave women and men who have ever put on the uniform of our armed services. I say THANK YOU for your courage to step forward for love of country. I say THANK YOU for your willingness to serve and to sacrifice for the common good. I say THANK YOU to the 10% of our population who have proudly served in the uniform and are alive today and earned the title of VETERAN. I say THANK YOU to the 1% of our population who today serve as the active and reserve force that keeps our county and each of us safe.
And let me hasten to add, that in addition to honoring these warriors who have changed the face of this country and the world, let us also THANK the spouses and families of these brave men and women. Their sacrifices were also considerable and their support critical to the overall mission ---- our freedom!
So let us all THANK A VETERAN and THANK A VETERAN’S SPOUSE AND FAMILY for their service, their dedication and their sacrifice ----- not just on November 11th, but every day. They earned it, they deserve it!!
On behalf of a grateful Nation and a grateful Community, to all veterans, HAPPY VETERANS DAY and THANK YOU for your service!!!
Steven J. Gentling, Mayor