Veterans deserving on more than 1 day

Thursday is Veterans Day, and this year’s version is particularly poignant.

We will honor not only those who have served, but also those who are preparing to serve.

And that latter list includes about three dozen Baker area members of the National Guard. They are training now in Mississippi for a deployment later this year to Iraq.

Although Veterans Day is the one day we set aside to pay tribute to the people who defend us, the truth is that their sacrifices are worthy of acknowledgment every day.

Certainly the husbands and wives and children who endure the long and anxious wait for their loved ones to return do not forget once Nov. 12 arrives on the calendar.

Fortunately there are myriad ways to help veterans and their families.

A good place to start is by participating in Operation: Enduring Support by calling Deb Gargalis at 541-523-6331.