Salute to Veterans
This veterans Day, we salute those who fought for our freedom.We also honor all military servicemembers and others who are helping those affected by hurricane destruction.
By Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret.

World War I was known at the time as “the Great War,” “the war to end all wars.” although the Treaty of Versailles was not signed until June 28, 1919, fighting ceased Nov. 11, 1919, when the armistice went into effect. thus, Nov. 11 became armistice Day, later renamed veterans Day.

Eighty-seven years later, we still pause on Nov. 11 to recognize veterans. Despite veterans’ sacrifices, however, wars have not ended. today’s military men and women are now currently at war fighting terrorism. they also conduct humanitarian missions at home and abroad.

At home, the response to recent, devastating hurricanes shows the humanitarian side of military service. as we go to press, 6,451 active and reserve component servicemembers are on the ground or aboard ships supporting relief operations. additionally, thousands of coast Guard members are conducting search, rescue, response, waterway reconstitution, and environmental impact assessment operations.

As you know, hurricane relief operations are about helping people. Speaking of the military profession and helping people, I’d like to share the results of a recent Harris Poll that addresses these topics.

The Harris Poll No. 69, Sept. 8, 2005, asked Americans to rank professions based on prestige. Firefighters, scientists, doctors, nurses, and military officers scored the top positions (listed from highest to lowest). Stockbrokers, real estate agents/brokers, accountants, journalists, and union leaders placed last (listed from lowest to highest).

According to Harris interactive online, “one conclusion that can be drawn from the survey is that prestigious occupations are all about helping those in need, as [firefighters], doctors, and nurses are at or near the top of the list. Making money does not equal prestige. ...”

“Prestige is also not about fame,” according to the Harris organization. “entertainers and actors, two professions usually associated with being famous, are also in the bottom half of the list, as are athletes.” (you may view results of the poll at www.harrisinteractive.com.) this Veterans Day, we pay tribute to veterans who fought for our democracy.

We also salute veterans and actively serving servicemembers who are helping others recover from hurricane destruction. the military profession might not bring fortune or fame, but when it comes to prestige, it’s hard to do better than defending freedom and helping people!