Our View: Veterans, we appreciate you

As the sun reaches high in the sky today, a parade of special significance will begin along Hannibal’s traditional parade corridor. The honorees are veterans — those who have served in this country’s armed forces, patriotically giving of themselves in exchange for national security.
Those veterans served in Korea and Iraq, Germany and Afghanistan, Vietnam and Japan. They took the red, white and blue with them wherever they went — sea or shore — defending both their homeland and our personal freedom.
Today, while the nation mourns the tragedy at Fort Hood, and while countless thousands serve in the Middle East, a parade will commence down Broadway to the east, with flags waving and old men saluting and children placing their hands on their hearts.
While Veterans Day isn’t until next Wednesday, today is a day to recognize those men and women — young and old, retired and active — who have made sacrifices for the rest.
Today is a day to proudly wear the colors that symbolize America, and to show pride and gratitude to those who stepped forward to serve. It is a day to wave flags and applaud those along the parade route. Because if it wasn’t for those who serve, there would be no celebration. Freedom isn’t free.
Today, we salute veterans.