I want to take this opportunity to thank, and draw attention to, those men and women who have served all of us by giving of their time in this life to the safety and security of each of us. All of them have, in their lives, taken an oath.

The words have changed a bit over the years, but the substance remains the same: to support and defend the Constitution of these United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

In Our Neighborhood there are approximately 1,500 or so veterans residing, about 1% of the total residents. That’s as it should be; we have, as a nation, averaged about 1% military involvement over our nearly 250 years. The numbers have ebbed and flowed as those “enemies” have attempted to dissuade us from our journey of freedom and democracy. Without these neighbors, we may well be, officially, speaking French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian or a host of other languages.

This veteran will, with just a hint of sadness, be unable to really celebrate the “free meals” and camaraderie that November 11th usually includes. No pity party, please. It happens the earliest I could have a much required (and anticipated) knee replacement is tomorrow. I’ll be home by Veteran’s Day (I hope) but will hardly feel like heading to a Texas Road House for a free steak, or anywhere else giving those goodies away.

It would be great, when you meet a veteran, to shake their hand and thank them for their service. We’re easy to spot this time of year; several wear ball caps we recognize, or walk that “certain way” or … whatever. Some of us have green lights on at night at our homes. In any case, say hello with a handshake. It does mean a lot to so relatively few who have secured the freedoms of so many.

Some of us earned decorations, others might say “I only guarded a beach” or “I never saw any action.”

Doesn’t matter.

What does matter is they were willing to help each other and YOU. None intended to be heroes when they joined; all saw the need and responded.

Memorial Day is celebrated to remember those who gave their lives in service. Veterans Day is to remember those who didn’t have to, but did give up things that mean a lot: times away from home and family, times of horror and violence in many forms, times of discomfort being alone, wet, cold, hot, thirsty, hungry. Even those who “never saw any action” still missed many things others got, maybe family gatherings, friends’ weddings, fishing with buddies, whatever. The cost varies by each of us, but each paid a price.

Most of you readers that I’ve personally had the privilege to meet … and I’m sure there will be more in the future, might know where I live. If you’re in Our Neighborhood on Veterans Day, please honk as you pass the house; I’ll hear it and have already shed a tear of gratitude.

And for all my fellow veterans, go and have a goodie for me … and thanks for YOUR SERVICE!

Our Neighborhood is a column by Michael Eckers focusing on the men and women whose presence populates Graceland Cemetery in Webster City.