Public asked to thank troops on Veterans Day

On Nov. 11, this nation will be honoring our veterans both past and present and up to and including those who are serving on active duty today and keeping this country free.

I would like everyone to remember:

It is the troops, not the president, who gives us democracy

It is the troops, not the Congress, who takes care of us

It is the troops, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press

It is the troops, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech

It is the troops, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to demonstrate

It is the troops who salute the flag, who serve beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag, that allows the protester to burn the flag.

I would like all of those who are free to stand up and be counted and thank them for their service by attending the annual Veterans Day services in your community.

James W. Harris Sr.

Red Bank Elks

Lodge No. 233