The month of May is National Military Appreciation Month which includes five holidays – Loyalty Day, VE Day, Military Spouse Day, Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day honoring members of our armed forces and veterans.
I would urge all of my fellow Monmouth County residents to join me in taking some time this month to thank my fellow veterans for their selfless service and sacrifice to the United States of America. They are the true defenders of freedom.
I believe there is no greater calling than serving one’s country as a member of the armed forces. Individuals from the greatest generation who have served in World War II, those that have served in Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Iraq and Afghanistan deserve a thank you from each and every one of us.
When I hear stories of what some of these men and women have gone through, I get chills to this day.
Could you imagine what it is like to storm the beaches of Normandy, or fight in the freezing cold during the battle of the bulge in Bastogne, or having one million enemy soldiers chase after you for crossing the 38th parallel, or fight in dark jungles because the canopy is so thick that helicopters can’t come in to rescue you?
These are some of the sacrifices our veterans have made so that we live in freedom today. Only a veteran knows and understands that freedom isn’t free, but it is worth fighting for. It doesn’t cost anything to smile and say thank you.
We live in a society that allows each of us the right to say anything to anyone about anything. I might not agree with what you have to say, but I will fight for your right to say it. To all of our veterans, let me be the first to say thank you. You have done amazing things. May God bless you and your families.
Jeff Cantor
Operation Iraqi
Freedom veteran
Marlboro
Editor’s note: The writer is a member of the Marlboro Township Council and is a candidate for Monmouth County freeholder.