Don't just remember, act

Don't just remember, act
EDITOR:
In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month, an armistice was signed to end World War I. A congressional resolution was passed in 1938 to celebrate Nov. 11 as Armistice Day in honor of World War I veterans.
If World War I had been "the war to end all wars," Nov. 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But then our heroic veterans preserved peace again in World War II and the Korean War, so, in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming Nov. 11 Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars. Veterans Day has since evolved as a time for honoring living veterans who have served in the military during wartime or peacetime.
As John F. Kennedy said, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
The following are two ways that you can live by your words this National Veterans Awareness Week:
Call your representative in Congress to voice your support for the Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform so that the health care needs of America's sick and disabled veterans are met.
Make a charitable contribution to one of the nine organizations that make up the Partnership for Veterans Health Care Budget Reform. It is close to tax time and these organizations need your help.
They are: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, American Legion, AMVETS, Blinded Veterans Association, Disabled American Veterans, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A., Paralyzed Veterans of America and Vietnam Veterans of America
Our men and women are fighting and have fought for the very freedoms that we take for granted every day. We can make a difference and fight for the veterans by using those very freedoms that they protect.
Say thanks to a veteran. These men and women have helped to make our country the great nation that is. May God bless them and our great nation.
JOHN P. BROWN III
Amvets national vice commander
Boardman
Just two more years to go
EDITOR:
I woke up this morning with a new purpose in life. I felt re-energized and full of gusto as I got ready for work.
It's my second favorite day of the year of every second year -- the day after Election Day. Some of the population stews, dumbfounded and bitter, while some of the population sits self-righteously smug in smoke-free air.
Today there are no more commercials trying to convince me that someone is probably worse than Hitler, loves terrorists, kicks puppies, and practices polygamy -- all while taking candy from a baby. Today will be the first day I will continue to leave the state to spend my leisure time and money instead of spending it here, but I can be assured that my eternal soul is safe here in Ohio. Today will be the first day I will make fun of a police officer for having to cite people for smoking.
Today will be the first day of recounts and temper tantrums from grown adults. You have lots of money, Mr. or Ms. Sore Loser. Quit crying when there are people working three jobs. Today is the first day I go back to working a minimum wage job. I mean I have a good full-time job, but I am going to take advantage of working a second job for easy money. Why should high school kids be the only ones getting a raise?
Finally today is the day I realize what a wonderful world I live in, a place where one can vote to make things they way they would like and then watch the elected officials who won go to Congress, get paid five times more than a normal person does, while only working 80 days of the year accomplishing nothing.
Seriously, people, life is too short to worry about this kind of stuff. Enjoy time with your family instead.
PAUL GROMEN
Niles
One question leads to another
EDITOR:
I read with some interest Thomas Sowell's column in the Nov. 2 Vindicator in which he implied that Sen. Barack Obama is not qualified to be president of the United Stales. His words were "what has he ever actually accomplished that would qualify him for the highest office in the nation and the leadership of the free world?"
I wonder if Mr. Sowell ever asked himself the same question concerning George W. Bush.
JUDY GUY
Boardman