One month, two great days Published Nov. 18, 2013 By Col. Augusto Casado 94th Maintenance Group commander DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- November is a great month with two great holidays to celebrate and reflect on, Thanksgiving and Veterans Day. I have the honor and privilege of writing this month's "From the Top" commentary and want to touch on these two great days. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to reflect on all the things we have, enjoy, and sometimes take for granted. It is also a very special time to have a great dinner with family and friends. Some of us may be serving away from home, and unable to be with loved ones during this time. This is why remembering Veteran's Day is important. What does being a veteran mean to you? Is there a more noble calling than to serve in our nation's defense? Why have you chosen to serve? How do you celebrate Veterans Day? Whatever your answers, I say, "Thank you! We deploy, unknowing of what lies ahead of us, leaving our family, friends, jobs and personal security. We realize that we may make the ultimate sacrifice during our nation's call, yet we put on our nation's cloth and we love it! President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations. You should be very proud of your service. Your actions and sacrifice keep our country free and secure. We are stronger, not because you are in the military, but because you are willing to serve. Those who choose to serve are the foundation upon which our nation and freedom stand. It is your strong shoulders that provide the steadfast moral high ground upon which our very existence depends. Your strength and service are our nation's sword and shield, and for this we owe our freedom. Giving thanks on Thanksgiving and recognizing our veterans on Veteran's Day is so much more than a day off, a parade, some football or a good meal. It is about our tradition, history, heritage, commitment, duty and love. I can go on and on, but the bottom line is when the Treaty of Versailles was signed the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month it was thought that World War I was the war to end all wars, unfortunately it wasn't and that's why your service is so greatly appreciated. You swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and you have done it with honor, dignity, and valor. Thank you veterans!
