The Sunshine Report Passing Freedom on to the Next Generation! Karen and Jay share their respect and gratitude in thanking our veterans for their wonderful service to our country and the critical importance of passing freedom on to this next generation of Americans. As Ronald Reagan famously said, ‘Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.’ So, as we honor our veterans on this special national holiday, let’s take a moment to reflect – and deeply appreciate all that they have done to protect our precious freedom. Across the United States, there are roughly 19 million Americans who have served our country. And of those 19 million, over 4 million have service-related disabilities. Both are staggering numbers that put the cost of our freedom into perspective. This weekend we are once again moved to do our civic duty and honor our veterans on Veterans Day. Unlike other national holidays like the 4th of July that provide more of a celebratory atmosphere, Veterans Day is a holiday that’s solemn and more humbling. It’s also a day that I believe demands reflection, about the courage and selflessness of those Americans who have put their lives at risk to defend what we hold dear. Interestingly enough, Veterans Day is deliberately spelled the way it is, as opposed to Veteran’s Day, because the day is not meant to belong to veterans, but instead honor them, as declared by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This deliberate spelling is meant to call upon everyone of us to honor the sacrifices of each veteran and the more than one million Americans who have given their lives for this country. Many soldiers and veterans don't see themselves as being brave or special, but instead as simply doing their duty. Yet, especially in today’s military, it’s important to remember as well that the majority of individuals who signed up to serve our nation have done so voluntarily. It’s this resolve and commitment to our nation that continues to give each of us something to continually aspire to, as well as be grateful for. As we recognize Veterans Day this year, it’s important to remember that the United States still stands as the beacon of hope and freedom around the world, and we owe our precious stature due to the selfless service of our veterans.  Read The Report Flags of Valor: A Patriotic Company Through and Through! Read More Thank You for Your Service!   Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Monuments and Memories This week, we are delighted to highlight as our Profile of the Week, our precious monuments that pay tribute to veterans. In nearly every town common, park, or center of town in New Hampshire, monuments are dedicated to those who served in America’s wars. These monuments recognize the sacrifices of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and those who served in the wars. You can find them listed at www.HMdb.org – the Historical Marker Database for New Hampshire. It was after the Civil War that a number of memorials and parks were established in New Hampshire to honor the veterans of the war—locations such as the Veterans’ Association Campground at Weirs Beach. In 1878, Manchester created a monument in Veterans’ Park to commemorate those who served in the Civil War. The monument has an inscription that states, "In honor of the men of Manchester who gave their service in the war which saved the Union and secured equal rights for all under the Constitution." However, there is one notable soldier that the park is dedicated to, beyond the Civil War, and that is Private First Class Rene A Gagnon. Rene A Gagnon was fighting with the United States Marine Corps on Iwo Jima. He was one of 6 men who took part in the most memorable flag raising in United States History. In Plainfield, a monument with all the names of the service members who served in the First World War keeps alive the memory of those who served overseas. The New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen was established in 1997, and is a place of reverence and remembrance for the state's military heroes. The centerpiece of this sacred site is the Veterans Memorial Plaza, a moving tribute to the courage and sacrifices of all veterans. It features a stunning array of statues and plaques, creating a serene space for reflection and gratitude. The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch, built in 1892, stands at the eastern end of the State House grounds in honor of Concord’s Civil War veterans. It is constructed of granite, measuring 33.5 feet high and 53 feet in width. It was designed by the prominent Boston architectural firm of Peabody and Stearns and features symbolic elements such as wreaths and shields, all topped by a Gatling gun. Just below the gun is the year 1892, and beneath the cornice is the inscription: "To the memory of her soldiers and sailors, the city of Concord builds this monument." The USS Albacore Museum and Park in Portsmouth celebrates the remarkable service of the USS Albacore, a submarine that played vital roles during World War II and the Cold War. The monument offers visitors the chance to explore the submarine and learn about its contributions to national defense, making it an educational and inspirational site.  This Veterans Day, organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion are honoring those who have served with services and lunches. Even if you can't attend those events, please take a moment, go to one of these monuments and pay tribute to those who have given so very much to defend our great nation and preserve our precious freedom. Quote of the Week "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation."  - George Washington     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]