Tuesday morning in Mather was a little chilly, a little overcast, and filled with emotion as the men and women who have served our country in a military capacity were honored and recognized in the third annual Mather Veterans Day Celebration. Unlike our Managing Editor, Geoff, I have never served in the military. I can only imagine the strength, courage and selflessness it would take to do so. I also can only imagine the effect of serving would have on the families of those that do so. In war time or in peace, the sacrifice that is made is unconscionable to those of us who are not involved. Regardless of where you or I stand politically, regardless of our personal beliefs and agendas, it was touching to see generations of men and women who have dedicated themselves to serving our country stand up and be acknowledged and genuinely thanked during Tuesdays ceremony.

From the Presentation of the Colors to the Benediction, emotion ran high as veterans young and old joined with their families to honor those in attendance, and those who could not be. Mayor Linda Budge declared that the City of Rancho Cordova would be joining the nation in naming November 11 Veterans Day. Another speaker, Paul Whetzel asked the question, ‘Who is a veteran?’ then listed many of the capacities, civilian and otherwise, that our veterans might hold, concluding with, “A veteran is a soldier and a saviour in the fight against the darkness”.

California is home to over 21 million veterans- more than any other state. In ceremonies and parades across the state and the nation, they have been honored and remembered. The general public might remember to do so once or twice a year on holidays that allow us time off for a three day weekend, there are veterans across the country, many of them in our own neighborhoods, that are haunted and blessed by the memories of the time they gave to our great nation. So many veterans gave so much for you and I to have the basic freedoms that we take advantage of today. The next time you’re in the grocery line behind a veteran, please remember to thank them for their service. I can assure you that whenever someone comments on the United States Air Force baseball cap my grandpa proudly wears, it brings the man to tears.