Remember vets on Veterans Day

Richard Zalinkanskas, state Legion commander
    In the fast-paced world in which we live, it becomes all too easy for many of us to take our American way of life for granted.
   Folks just don’t stop to think about the sacrifice it takes to maintain our democracy.
   We’re free to worship where we choose, and we enjoy the right to elect those who represent us in our governing bodies. We can shop where we please and travel as we wish.
   We are free to pursue our occupational goals and the education necessary to achieve those goals. We enjoy the rights of free speech and assembly and many other freedoms too numerous to list.
   Our freedoms, however, are priceless and are only secured by the men and women who serve in our armed forces. These individuals willingly take up arms to protect our great nation and its people from all threats. They face challenges on a daily basis the majority of Americans could never imagine, and it is only fitting we take a little of our precious time to thank them.
   This Veterans Day, numerous ceremonies will be held throughout New Jersey, recognizing the men and women who have served as members of our military forces.
   Local posts of the American Legion will be sponsoring many of those services, and I would like to encourage our fellow citizens of New Jersey to attend such as service as a viable display of their appreciation for the men and women who have contributed so much to ensure we may continue to exercise the many freedoms our Constitution provides.
Richard Zalinkanskas
department commander
American Legion
Department of New Jersey
Trenton