"CHANGING TO MEET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF FRATERNALISTS"
ESTNIK ArtiSz pratb
Take time to enjoy to share to love as a family! JOINING HANDS TO TOUCH LIVES
Official Organ Of The Slavonic Benevolent Order Of The State Of Texas, Founded 1897 BROTHERHOOD
HUMANITY
BENEVOLENCE
Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SUPREME LODGE, SPJST, P. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503 November 6, 1985 ISSN-07458800 VOLUME 73窶年UMBER 44
Tribute To American Veterans This year Veterans Day is designated for Monday, November 11th, for Americans who will observe this solemn occasion with a salute to the silent heroes who defended freedom and now lie with fallen comrades in almost every land throughout the universe. It is a day for the living. A day to salute those who served in the endless ranks of patriots, in peace of war, for duty, honor and country. Also it is a day to remember the rattle of drums, the flag unfurled, the cold, clear notes of bugles calling men to serve. Veterans' Day is a day for all Americans -- every man, and woman whose hearts beat with pride and love -- as well as the countless men and women who have worn the uniform of their country. A veteran stands for peace, for courage, for faith in America. He stands for peace because he fought for it; he stands for courage because he stood tall in the face of danger; he stands for faith because he I returned in confidence to work, to : 窶｢ grow a family, to participate in the affairs of this republic as a full American citizen. Every veteran, so to speak, is a man for his nation, a soldier, a sailor, a marine or an airman who, in his 4 particular moment of truth, said: "this ; is my land, my people, my United 1 States and, if need be, I will die to defend the same." A veteran is a patriot born in a land of freedom, seeking to right the wrongs he finds working to better his life and that of his fellow man. He is an American, and he speaks the word with reverence and respect, knowing full well that he walks not in the lockstep of tyranny but with the vigorous stride of a free man who has measured the opportunity that is his and is using it. At the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., you will find the unknown soldiers and countless American heroes resting, where each year leaders of our nation congregate in ceremonial respect. On a weathered stone, these memorable words are engraved on it:
Those words are a tribute to the living, as well, who dared all then, as they do today, in the eternal search for peace with honor. Americans may one day, in the long roll call of generations unborn, awaken to a world in total peace. Until it does, we must maintain our strength, defend our rights, and fight, if klee.d be, for our freedom. Freedom extracts a price. Our veterans of today and yesterday have paid that price. Those who paid the full price desired and deserved to live as much as any American; those who were disabled desired peace and health instead of injury and illness. Those who watched their loved ones march off to war prayed for their safe return and the. security of the country they love. Veterans' Day is a time to recall the meaning of service for all Americans.
Ado,
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Let us then use this day of honoring our veterans to remind ourselves that unity at home is essential to peace across the seas. Let us remind ourselves that by comparison the turmoil and strife at home is a disservice to those who have faced the enemy in battle. Let us strive to match their courage with patience and humbleness. Let us pledge on Veterans' Day to respect by our actions and deeds the sacrifice of those who defend us today. Let us make this a united America with the same spirit and courage, the same intelligence and confidence that has characterized our fighting men throughout history. We owe them much.
"Not for fame or reward Not for place or for rank Not lured by ambition Or goaded by necessity But in simple obedience to duty
As they understood it These men suffered all Sacrificed all Dared all and died."
We honor them in full, today and in the future. We do so because their valor saved America. It can save it again, as it must, and only when it is secure for all of us will we know that our veterans will not have died in vain. ***