Recently, our government hasn't done a really good job of taking care of our veterans. One hears numerous stories of coverage denied, dilapidated VA facilities, and just a general sense of apathy about veterans. Many veterans become disenchanted, especially those from VietNam. If you don't believe that, just go down to our local shelter and ask to speak to some veterans.
Given the recent tragedy at Fort Hood, the ongoing madness in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the difficult economy putting more people, including veterans, on the street, I hope Veteran's Day is a much bigger deal than usual. If someone has acted to defend this country with their life, they deserve everything and anything they ask for-on a silver platter.
Please, display your flags on Wednesday. Attend a nearby ceremony, parade or celebration. Participate in a march to end the wars in the Middle East, or to repeal "Don't ask, don't tell." Visit your deceased veteran ancestors in the cemetery, and plant flags on their graves.
Then meditate for peace. Everywhere. For everyone.
Top Story
By ULA ILNYTZKY Associated Press Writer
[photo: Keith Little, left, gets a plaque from Page, Az. Mayor Lyle Dimbatt during a land transfer ceremony in New Mexico for a planned Navajo Code Talkers musem there. Little was one of about 400 Navajo Marines who helped the U.S. prevail at Iwo Jima and other World War II Pacific battles with an unbreakable code that stymied the Japanese. The Associated Press]
Salt Lake City
Female veterans increasingly part of homeless picture Women fall through cracks because they don't meet stereotype by Matthew D. LaPlante
[photo: Air Force Veteran Deborah Caldwell, 29, just recently found out that she was eligible for assistance from the Veteran's Administration. Caldwell and her three children have been living at the Road Home homeless shelter since July 4. (Leah Hogsten / The Salt Lake Tribune)]No more homeless vets, secretary promises: Local 'Standdown' part of plan Staff And Wire Reports The Salt Lake Tribune
Poignant holiday for WWII veteran A German WWII veteran tells his experience by Lee Benson The Deseret News
Utah
Effort helps WWII heroes visit memorial The Spectrum (St. George)Shelter, food bank asks for funds by Brain Passey, The Spectrum
Homelessness becoming a problem at Provo park By Daniel Chandler, The Daily Universe (Provo)
Nation
As national consoler, Obama honors Fort Hood slain by remembering what they left behind by BEN FELLER Associated Press Writer
Charitable Giving to Our Veterans: Tax deductible donations http://www.purpleheartdonation.org/
Veterans Day Events from The Salt Lake Tribune
Tuesday
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. » A celebration for women veterans will be held at Pierpont Place, 163 Pierpont Ave. in Salt Lake City. The event will include a traditional military ceremony with honor guard, followed by speakers from several military services.
Wednesday
5 a.m. - 10 p.m. » West Valley City Family Fitness Center, 5415 W. 3100 South, will offer free admission for any member of the military, with military ID, and their immediate family.
7:45 a.m. » The Clearfield High School Class of 1968 will present a plaque honoring school alums who have fallen in the nation's wars. The event will take place on the school's football field, 931 S. 1000 East in Clearfield.
8:45 a.m.: A panel discussion entitled "After the Battlefield" will be held in the Olpin Union Theatre at the University of Utah. Four panelists will discuss the present and future of military medicine.
11 a.m. » The annual Veterans Day Parade will be held in West Jordan, starting at City Hall, 8000 S. Redwood Road. The parade runs north up Redwood Road, turns west on 7800 South, then turns south at 1985 West, winding through Veterans Memorial Park before finishing at the Military Services Monument. A 30-minute ceremony will then be held at the park, followed by a fundraising chili luncheon in the park pavilion benefiting the VFW's Military Assistance Program.
11 a.m.» The City of Taylorsville will host its first annual Veterans Day Celebration at City Hall, 2600 W. Taylorsville Blvd. The program will include a flag ceremony, musical selections, a keynote address by Mayor Russ Wall and an announcement of the winning design for the city's new Veterans Memorial.
11 a.m. » Veterans will be honored at the University of Utah's annual Veterans Day Commemoration in the Olpin Union Ballroom. Eleven veterans from several eras of military service will be awarded with medallions in a full-dress military ceremony and will be hailed with a cannon salute.
11:15 a.m. » Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon and Youth Services will be joining together for a Veterans Day celebration on the plaza at the County Government Building, 2100 S. State St. Corroon will deliver a speech in honor of veterans, the East High Junior ROTC will present a flag-raising ceremony and the West High School choir will sing a number of patriotic songs.
Noon » A rally honoring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender service members will be held in the rotunda at the state Capitol. The Salt Lake Men's Choir will perform and speakers will call for veterans to come out of the closet and be counted in opposition to the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
12:30 p.m. » A special reception and light buffet will be held honoring University of Utah student veterans in the ballroom of the Olpin Union Building. The public is invited to enjoy the sounds of the Phoenix Swing Band, a "Big Band" era musical group including several local veterans. A chorus of hundreds of students from nearby high schools will also perform with the band.
2 p.m. » Atria Sandy, an independent and assisted living community, will unveil its new Veterans Wall, including photos and biographies of more than 20 veterans in the community and information about 20th century wars. A gun salute and Taps will be conducted by the American Legion. The center is located at 10970 S. 700 East in Sandy.
5 p.m. - 9 p.m. » Golden Corral will thank thousands of active-duty and former United States military personnel for their service with a free dinner buffet and beverage, while raising donations for the Disabled American Veterans. For more information visit http://www.goldencorral.com/military/
7 p.m. » The Utah National Guard will hold its 54th annual Veterans Day concert at the University of Utah's Jon M. Huntsman Center. The event will include performances by the Utah National Guard's 23rd Army Band and a 700-voice Granite School District high school choir. Admission is free.
7:30 p.m. » The American Festival Chorus will perform its second annual Veterans Day Tribute in the Kent Concert Hall of the Chase Fine Arts Center on the campus of Utah State University, 1110 E. 610 North in Logan. The concert is presented by the Caine School of the Arts. Seating is general admission and free tickets are available at the Caine School of the Arts Box Office in the Chase Fine Arts Center and at the Cache Valley Visitors Bureau, 199 N. Main St. The box office can be reached at 435-797-8022.
8 p.m. » The West Jordan Arts Council will present a USO-style show at the Sugar Factory Playhouse, 8201 S. 2200 West. The show features a magician, comedian and West Jordan theater members performing some of their favorite selections from past productions.
Until next time...
...let's fight war, not fight A war.
Your ed.
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