Veterans Day serves as a solemn reminder of the men and women who have upheld the values of liberty and sacrifice, wearing the uniform and bearing the responsibility of defending our freedoms. “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction,” President Ronald Reagan once warned, underscoring the necessity of vigilance and gratitude toward those who served. As we gather to honor veterans, it’s essential to recognize not only the grand sacrifices but also the quiet, steadfast service offered by those in our communities, from police officers to civic leaders.
Veterans Day originated with the signing of the armistice on November 11, 1918, a date marked by the silencing of guns in what was hoped to be “the war to end all wars.” Originally called Armistice Day, it was a moment to commemorate those who fought in World War I. By 1954, following World War II and the Korean War, Congress broadened the scope of this day, renaming it Veterans Day to honor all veterans, a testament to the enduring legacy of service shared by those in uniform. As George Washington once wrote, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war… shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated.”
This message resounds in communities like ours, where local heroes continue to serve, even after their military duties conclude. In Greenwich, Chief of Police Jim Heavey stands as a testament to this ethos. He, along with many on the Greenwich Police force, has a military background, bringing values of discipline, loyalty, and courage to their roles in public service. Veterans in our community, whether on the police force or among our friends and neighbors, remind us daily that service does not end when a soldier returns home.
President John F. Kennedy observed, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” Veterans Day is not merely a day of remembrance; it is an invitation to live up to the high standards set by those who have served. From ensuring that veterans have access to quality health care and employment opportunities to supporting their roles in local government and community organizations, we carry forward their legacy by upholding the rights and freedoms they protected.
For those veterans who continue to serve Greenwich, our appreciation is boundless. Whether maintaining safety on our streets, leading public safety initiatives, or simply enriching our community, their contributions are significant. Chief Heavey’s example is echoed by the many veterans on his force who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their daily responsibilities. These officers, with their unique perspective and self lessness, help shape a community that is both resilient and compassionate.
“Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world,” Reagan said. “But the Marines don’t have that problem, and neither do any of our veterans.” Indeed, the veterans among us — from those who served in conflict to those who support our communities in peacetime — have made and continue to make an indelible impact. Veterans Day is an occasion to recognize this, to thank them for their sacrifices, and to reaffirm our commitment to supporting them as they have supported us.
The theme for this year’s Veterans Day, “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service,” encapsulates the spirit of this national day of recognition. Designed by retired Army veteran Myisha Godette, the commemorative poster illustrates the shared experience of veterans, past and present. This theme encourages Americans to honor veterans not merely through words but through actions that uphold the freedoms they fought to protect.
As George H.W. Bush, a veteran himself, once said, “We know what works: Freedom works. We know what’s right: Freedom is right.” Veterans are the keepers of this wisdom, their lives intertwined with the principles upon which this nation was built. By honoring veterans, we affirm our belief in the values they fought for and recognize their sacrifices as foundational to our continued freedom.
To all veterans of Greenwich, we extend our profound gratitude. Thank you for your service, your dedication, and your enduring commitment to the ideals of liberty and justice. This Veterans Day, let us remember the sacrifices made, honor the lives changed, and acknowledge the debt we owe to those who have kept our nation safe. Their legacy is our inheritance, a call to uphold the freedom they defended with unwavering resolve.
