On November 11, 2004 the annual observation of Veteran’s Day was held, with the occasion being marked with parades all across the country. The Local 2195 Veteran’s Committee participated in the Huntsville, Alabama parade again this year. The group was represented in two pickup trucks decorated to the red, white and blue and flying MIA flags.

The parade began promptly at 11 AM, with the playing of taps. The Grand Marshal of the parade was entertainer Randy Owen of the group Alabama who lead the way in a vintage Army Jeep. Then row after row of floats and groups passed by paying homage to America’s veterans. A number of high school bands played patriotic songs, while military vehicles passed by.

Remembering our veterans is something we should do every day, not just once a year. The freedoms we possess are the result of over one million lives being lost upon battlefields all across the earth. Millions others have been injured standing in the gap between democracy and tyranny. Each of these sacrifices are remembered and honored.

While Veteran’s Day should always be remembered soberly, when a country is at war the day takes on a renewed significance. Currently the U.S. is at war in Iraq, with over 1,100 soldiers having laid down their lives in service to their country. All across the site there are many employees who have family members serving there now, including our own Thomas Houston, Dept. 33-51 B Shift Supervisor in Plant 21. We should keep each of these in our prayers each day.