Correction News - Veterans - Our Heroes for Today

North Carolina Department of Public Safety


	November 2000

Veterans, Our Heros For Today
by Captain James W. Lewis, Jr.
Albemarle Correctional Institution

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all those who have served or are now serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, to include my father, James Willard Lewis, Sr., who served in the Korean War with honor and distinction. My father, like most soldiers, was a common man who was called upon to do the uncommon. He and thousands like him fought against the communist threat of their day, some giving the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

My father was one of the lucky ones who returned home to his wife and his "normal life". He very seldom spoke of the terrible things he saw and had to do during his time in Korea, but when he did, it would bring chills to your back. I have also heard stories of battles that took place during the Vietnam War and afterwards I can understand why so many veterans of that war had trouble adjusting to "normal life" again. Everyone can recall knowing someone’s father, brother, sister, mother or other relative who served in one of our wars, that were fought to preserve our way of life and freedom for a large part of the world.

On November 11, 2000 we will observe "Veterans Day" for the first time in this century, but how many of us will stop and think about all that was sacrificed so we could have the freedom to observe this holiday and all others? Thousands of men and women have given their lives during wars and "police actions" including WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, so we as a people could have the freedom to live our lives as we see fit. We all should stop and give thanks on this special day to every man and woman who has worn or is still wearing the uniform of our armed services for the freedom they have insured we will have for many generations to come. Without them and their sacrifices we would be living in an entirely different world, one we would not like very much. I would like to ask everyone to observe this Veterans Day by choosing someone you know is a Veteran and thanking them for a job well done. Many of our veterans will spend this day alone and we as citizens of this great country should take this opportunity to show them that they are not forgotten, but remembered and honored on this their day of recognition. To those State Employees who served or are now serving in a branch of our Armed Forces I gratefully acknowledge your dedication and sacrifice to keep this country strong and safe for all citizens.

Return to Correction News Front Page