Happy Veteran's Day



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 A veteran (from Latin vetus, meaning "old") is a person who has had long service or experience in a particular occupation or field; " A veteran of ..." . This page refers to military veterans, i.e., a person who has or is serving in the armed forces, and has direct exposure to acts of military conflict, commonly known as war veterans (although not all military conflicts, or areas in which armed combat takes place, are necessarily referred to as "wars").

When you stop to think about how much military veterans have done for us you almost feel guilty that you only recognize them on one day. While they may receive special treatment as far as discounts and such, does that really thank them for risking their lives for their country? This Veteran's Day thank a veteran. Fly your flag and wear that shirt you only wear on the 4th of July or Memorial Day. Remember those who lost someone or have someone overseas fighting now while their family waits for their safe return. I'm fond of a bumper sticker I read once, "I support the troops, not the war". I don't understand the whole situation overseas at the moment and why it's gone on so long with so many lives lost and promises of an end only to have more soldiers shipped over. I do understand that those fighting over there need our support and those who have fought do as well.

There are quite a few events around the area to celebrate Veteran's Day so get out as a family and show your support and gratitude this year if you can. The following is a partial list is from The Express Times.

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

The Easton Area Public Library, 515 Church St., Easton, will host a free talk at noon Wednesday. Guest speaker will be Robert Faro, a local veteran and father who will discuss his son, Pfc. Joseph Faro, U.S. Marine Corps, and his ongoing recovery from wounds suffered during a blast in Afghanistan. Information: 610-258-2917, ext. 307.

American Legion Post 397 of Hellertown will hold a ceremony rain or shine at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Union Cemetery, 89 Main St., Hellertown.

The Steelworkers Veterans Memorial Committee will hold a ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday at the memorial, Third and Filmore streets, Bethlehem. Retired U.S. Army Captain David A. Christian, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran, will be the keynote speaker. Information: 610-360-7896.

Traditions of Hanover, 5300 Northgate Drive, Hanover Township, will hold a veterans recognition breakfast 7:30-9 a.m., Thursday. No cost for veterans; $5 for others. Guest speaker will be Maj. Nathan Kline, U.S. Air Force retired, liaison to the military for the city of Allentown. Information: 484-893-6689.

Williams Township Veterans Memorial Committee will hold a ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday at the township municipal park, 655 Cider Press Road. Nancy Ackerman, committee member, and Roy Fox, a World War II veteran, will speak.

The Pomfret Club, 33 S. Fourth St., Easton, will pay tribute to veterans at 6 p.m. Thursday with a showing of one of filmmaker Lou Reda's programs followed by dinner. Call 610-258-7641 to make reservations.
The Thomas Paine Chapter of Veterans For Peace will hold a commemoration 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Thursday at the Bethlehem Rose Garden, Eighth Avenue and Union Boulevard, Bethlehem. One tombstone for every Pennsylvania military member killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003 will be displayed. Also a bell will be rung at the 11th minute of the 11th hour as a reminder of the original meaning of Armistice Day. Information: 484-248-6113.

Bethany United Church of Christ, Fifth Avenue and W. Market Street, will honor servicemen with a Pennsylvania Dutch meal 4:30-6:30 p.m. Saturday. The event will feature memory sharing, door prizes and a patriotic singalong. Tickets available at the door. Cost is $10 adults; $5, children ages 6-12; free, children 5 and younger. Information: 610-868-4441.


BERKS COUNTY

Brandywine Heights Area Middle School will hold a program and luncheon at 9 a.m. Thursday at the school
for veterans who live in the district or are relatives of middle school students. Information: 610-682-5131.


LEHIGH COUNTY

American Legion Post 16, Slatington, will hold a service at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at Union United Church of Christ, 5550 Route 873, Neffs. Information: 610-767-6657.

Lower Macungie Township Historical Society will hold a program 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the township Community Center, 3450 Brookside Road. World War II veteran Robert F. Kauffman will speak. Information: http://www.lmths.org.

Lehigh County Senior Center, 1633 Elm St., Allentown, will host a celebration 9:30-11 a.m., Thursday. Entertainment will be provided by The Krazy Kids and Lehigh Valley Pops Orchestra. Information: 610-437-3700.

United Veterans of Wars of The United States, Allentown, will hold a ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Lehigh County commissioners room, 17 S. Seventh St., Allentown.

Happy Veteran's Day and Thank You to all who have and currently are serving!