Veterans Day Events 2012

By Roy Cook, US Army (Airborne)



This Veterans Day, 11, 11, 2012, we are thinking about our returning troops from deployment in the Middle East and other postings. Today our Veterans continue to shed their blood for our American policies and the freedom we enjoy.

In every Tribal language: We support our Warriors. - God Bless America.

O’odham: “Ahchim dagiod s-chu cheggiaDkam – Jiosh ho’ige’id jeweD”

Cherokee: "Aniyosgi Dotsigusdaa. - Unelanvhi Wigadoligi Ama Ayetli"

Lakota: "Nahan Akicita unkitawapi ki Owicikiunyapi kte. - Wakan Tanka makoce ki la waste kte"

On Veterans Day we ask you, your friend and family. What Is a Military Veteran? A 'Veteran' is anyone, whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve military who at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America, for an amount of up to and including his life to defend the Constitution and follow the orders of the mission.

That commitment is honor and duty in action. As veterans we painfully realize that there are still too many people that enjoy freedom in this country today yet no longer understand that, freedom is not free.

Fortunately, our military is made up of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things. Fewer than 10 percent of Americans can claim the title “military veteran.” And what a list of accomplishments can those 10 percent claim!

From defeating Communism, Fascism and Imperialism, to keeping the peace during the Cold War and battling terrorism today, America owes a debt to her veterans that can never be repaid.

Historically, on November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time. In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed the day should be "filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory". There were plans for parades, public meetings and a brief suspension of business activities.

Even though political tides and public sentiment may render a war unpopular, they do not affect a Warrior’s commitment to serve their country. We welcome our Warriors home regardless of the politics of the war in which they fought.

Additional patriotic Veteran's Day programs:
San Diego Veterans Day Parade 2012 Commemorating the 65th Anniversary of the "Breaking the Sound Barrier”
Monday, November 12th-11:00 AM

Grand Marshal: Maj. Gen. Charles (Chuck) Elwood Yeager
(Parade Route - The same as in past years; Downtown San Diego on Pacific Highway, South from Cedar Street to West Harbor Dr.)

From KCET, Burbank on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012: Defending the Homeland: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces, is airing from 1:30 p.m. - 2 p.m.: This documentary tells the stories of Native Americans who have participated in the US mili­tary, from the American Revolution to present day Iraq. It will showcase their emotional battles both overseas as warriors and at home as veterans.

California at War (2 p.m. - 3 p.m.): Discover how World War II impacted California more than any other state. This documentary connects California's past to its present and will reveal that many of the opportunities and challenges of today are rooted from WWII.

Tragedy of Bataan (3 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.): Narrated by Alec Baldwin, this program chronicles the fall of the Philippines and the Bataan Death March in the early months of World War II. It contains first-account interviews with over twenty former sur­vivors, several unpublished diaries, rare photos and drawings and never before seen Japanese propaganda film footage.

Angle of Attack (3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.): Uncover the 100-year history of naval aviation. The two-hour documentary deftly interweaves archival footage, interviews with historical and military experts, contemporary footage of cutting-edge aircraft and insights from today's Top Gun fighter pilots in the Marine Corps and Navy.

44nd: Live with Honor, Die with Dignity (10:30 p.m. - 12 a.m.): This film shares the unsung heroism of the 442 Regiment, formed in 1942 from "Nis­ei" (second-generation) Japanese in internment camps and officers discharged from the U.S. Army subsequent to Pearl Harbor. Sen. Daniel Inoue, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor and actor/activist George Takei appear.

ABOUT KCET

On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and Central California. KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well as the finest public television programs from around the world.

Keep in mind this month:

In partnership with tribal nations, my Administration has addressed injustices and built new avenues of opportunity for American Indians and Alaska Natives. As we celebrate National Native American Heritage Month, let us move forward in the spirit of mutual understanding and mutual trust, confident that our challenges can be met and that our shared future is bright.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2012 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 23, 2012, as Native American Heritage Day.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.

Finally, Thank a Veteran for their service and our American freedom.