Veterans Day and St Martin's Day 2012

Troy Veterans Plaza

Did you know that November 11th is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours who is also the patron saint of soldiers? Well, it's true. Click here to learn more about St. Martin and why he's the patron saint of soldiers.

On this day in the year 2012, let's not forget the service of those men and women who served our Nation in the Armed Forces. Just consider this 11/8/12 Lansing State Journal article by Mark Mayes about a Michigan Marine Corps veteran of the Iraq War who has decided to spearhead a nationwide effort to recognize all United States military personnel who sacrificed their lives for our Nation. Since last Summer, Eric Calley of Williamston and a few other veterans have been organizing Veterans Day readings across the nation with the goal of having someone utter the name of every fallen U.S. hero. "And they mean every fallen hero — dating back to 1775 and the Revolutionary War." Wow!

Here's another example of how Americans are remembering our Veterans today. Today, Texas Public Policy Foundation VP of External Relations Joshua Treviño asked folks to share the veterans they were remembering on this Veterans Day. Click here to read the responses he received.

For a local story, click here to read the 11/11/12 Troy Patch article "Troy Honors Veterans' Service and Sacrifices in Special Ceremony." Lots of great photos from today's event at Troy Veterans Plaza.

As I've mentioned in previous years, I especially want to thank my Dad who served in the U.S. Army and my Father-in-Law who served in the US Marine Corps - both of them during World War II.