ON VETERANS DAY, OUR HEARTFELT GRATITUDE

At a civic-club meeting in Cape Girardeau this week, all members who were veterans were asked to stand and be recognized during this week of national celebration in observance of Veterans Day. Approximately 20 percent of the members stood to receive heartfelt applause from those who remained sitting.

It doesn't seem like it was all that many years ago when a similar show of support for the men and women who have served in the armed forces would have meant most of the club's members would have been on their feet.

Many in the U.S. military are today putting their lives on the line for the cause of freedom. U.S. pilots still fly peacekeeping missions over Iraq. There are other peacekeeping forces strategically located in other hot spots of the world that for so long have festered with internal strife.

Drive by the many National Guard amories located all over Southeast Missouri and you will see, particularly on weekends, evidence of ongoing training and readiness. While military numbers are low in keeping with a peacetime presence, and while recruiters are having a tough time filling quotas, American military forces are still the best equipped and most prepared fighting force in the world.

And it doesn't seem like it was all that many years ago that a military record was virtually a prerequisite for seeking political office. Or was it just that most individuals who ran were from the Vietnam War, Korean War or World War II era? Today many, if not most, candidates for political office have no military service record.

This issue came up last week when the Veterans Day celebration in St. Louis, held the Saturday before the actual holiday, had radio commentator Rush Limbaugh -- a Cape Girardeau native -- as its grand marshal. Some veterans were concerned that Limbaugh would lead the parade and be the main speaker even though he isn't a veteran.

This same issue came up not too long ago as one of the veterans groups here in Cape Girardeau was looking for a speaker. A nonveteran was invited -- and later uninvited. It's up to the veterans to decide whom they want to speak at special events, particularly during the holiday that has such deep emotional attachments.

But the idea that a nonveteran, someone whose patriotism is as deep and as broad as any veteran's, can't be associated with Veterans Day needs to be carefully reconsidered. For one thing, many influential veterans who have attained some significant status like Limbaugh have powerful messages of gratitude to deliver to veterans everywhere on behalf of all those who, for whatever reason, did not serve in the military but who are loyal Americans who stand by their flag and support a strong, well-prepared military force.

Patriotism is always stronger, it seems, when battles are being fought and when the lives of our loved ones are at stake. But patriotism is always part of our American fabric. Our hearts still swell when the flag goes by. We who can't sing are stirred to try when the national anthem is played. We stand in awe of the heroes who have displayed valor. We are moved by the drama of human endurance and bravery in wartime.

Patriotism isn't limited to veterans. Just ask the mother of any soldier who gave his life for his country. Ask the millions of Americans who are fervently proud of the freedom they possess because of those who have served so proudly in the armed forces. Ask the students at Central High School who, for five years running, have put on one of the best Veterans Day observances to be found in our area.

On Veterans Day, all Americans can join hands and give the honor and respect due to the men and women who have worn or are wearing a military uniform. We thank God for their bravery and dedication to the ideals of this great nation.