Up until my early 20s, Veteran’s Day was a holiday listed on the calendar that meant that banks and post offices would be closed, and (hooray) a vacation day from school and not much more.

However, the impact of Veteran’s Day and the realization of the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve our country and protect our freedoms and particularly those who serve in time of war came home to me when my “little” step-brother Bob Montgomery, a Fall City boy, was killed in Viet Nam at the age of 18.

Just who are our veterans? Some are family members, friends, or members of our community. Most are people whom we will never know, but Veteran’s Day gives us the opportunity to shift our focus, at least for a day, to recognize, appreciate and honor all of those Veteran’s living and dead who put their own lives on hold to serve and protect their fellow countrymen.

In recent months, the citizens of several countries have fought, been wounded and died attempting to secure the right of every American age 18 and over, the right to a voice in their own governance. Election Day, November 6, gives us the opportunity to select the President of the United States and Commander in Chief of our armed forces. I urge each eligible voter

to honor the sacrifices made by our veterans and those citizens by making a special effort this election to get out and vote.

Nancy Moore

Fall City