Honor the country’s veterans. Photo by Geri Baldwin
To the Editor:
As often as I have written of Veterans Day, I think of those who not know the reason or understand the meaning of our country honoring veterans on this day.
I give thanks as I write and, all the same, I think of those who read different stories of our veterans and those we lost all through the years of war. Just think: those who served our country were keeping faith with our country. And a letter of hope and love from love ones and or a friend was the only contact of having a home to come back to. And as we read of many stories of war, we need to stop and listen: Does one hear what he or she has read? What did it take for one to go to war for our country?
I think of those I know on this day and what it means to me. Maybe the reason why I write can be found in this rock and plaque in my neighborhood. It sits in an area surrounded by a wood frame like a picture far away in the distance.
It sits high and often persons would stop and read the plaque on this rock throughout the year. It has a meaning that can touch the hearts of those who take a little time read.
On the Veterans Memorial Walkway along the bike path of the 500 block of South Columbus and Wilkes Street sits this rock with a plaque that reads as follows: “Dedicated to the City of Alexandria and Alexandria's Veterans' Organizations on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 1979, in honored memory of the deceased Alexandria Veterans of all the United States wars. Their service in war and peace contributed greatly to the welfare of their fellow citizens. Charles E. Beatley, Jr., Mayor; Robert L. Calhoun, Vice Mayor; Donald C. Casey, Councilman; Margaret B. Inman, Councilwoman; Nelson E. Greene, Sr., Councilman; James P. Moran, Jr., Councilman; Carlyle C. Ring, Jr., Councilman.
“In honor of all our veterans and men and women in uniform who have served and fought for our country, let them not be forgotten.”
Thank you.
Geri Baldwin
Alexandria