Honoring the Sacrificial Service of Our Veterans
Commentary By DEWEY F. BARTLETT JR.
Mayor of Tulsa
On November 11, 1918, a ceasefire went into effect. The armistice agreed to that day silenced the guns of the first World War. The war itself was known as “the war to end all wars.” Unfortunately, the truce would not last; the world would soon face another deadly World War.
As we had before, the United States of America would send her sons and daughters to fight across the globe. The men and women who fought and the lives lost on foreign soil served as a reminder that our freedoms, the ones we cherish and hold dear, are not free. Our freedoms must be paid for by the men and women of the United States Military. Everyone who fought sacrificed something, and some would sacrifice it all.
Today, our men and women continue to serve our country with bravery, distinction, and honor. Every veteran has made sacrifices to ensure the freedom of all American citizens. We are truly the land of the free because of the brave.
Our nation will be observing Veterans Day on Wednesday, Nov. 11 with celebrations and parades honoring our military members and veterans. In Tulsa, our annual Veterans Day Parade will begin at 11 a.m. and will take place at the Williams Green on 3rd Street and Boston Avenue between the Hyatt Regency and the Performing Arts Center. I invite you to join me in this annual event that honors the heroes among us. If you are unable to make it in person, you can watch it live on Channel 8 from 11 a.m. to noon. The parade is a tribute to those who have sacrificed their time away from family and for some, their lives.
As you may know, Tulsa has a proud history of serving those who have served. Tulsa has the honor of being the only city to have hosted a Veterans Day parade since the original designation, and we are one of the few cities in the nation that pays tribute to our Medal of Honor recipients.
Tulsa also is home to many fine organizations that set the standard for other veterans’ programs across the country. Other municipalities come to Tulsa to learn how to properly administer programs. The dedication and commitment that our citizens bring to the veteran community is unparalleled.
If you’re able to attend, I hope to see you at the Veterans Day Parade!
Updated 10-26-2015
READER COMMENTS
About Post Author
