Two dozen veterans and residents joined with members of American Legion Post #18 at a ceremony this morning to celebrate Veterans Day and lay a wreath at the Portsmouth War Memorial in the park next to Town Hall. State Senator Chuck Levesque, Rep. John Loughlin, Town Council members Karen Gleason and Peter McIntyre were on hand as the Post Commander, Vincent C. D'Andrea opened with remarks in the Town Council chambers.

Vincent C. D'Andrea

"It is tragic that those who protect our homes are often without homes themselves once they shed their uniforms," said D'Andrea. "This is hardly the thanks of a grateful nation. He called on Congress to pass comprehensive health care for veterans, and urged all employers to take advantage of the skills and smarts of American servicemen and women.

"It's smart business to hire veterans, and smart businesses recognize that," he said. "Can any CEO claim to have more responsibility than a 21-year-old squad leader in Baghdad?"

He went on to quote former Senator Max Cleland, "America became a free nation thanks to our Vets." Then, highlighting the fragility of our basic freedoms, D'Andrea reminded the audience, "It was the soldier, not the reporter, who gave us freedom of the press."

After the opening remarks, the assembled participants headed over to the Portsmouth War Memorial, where members of Post #18 laid a wreath.

It's no secret that I am not a supporter of the current Administration, or the war in Iraq. But I have nothing but respect for the men and women in our armed forces, and for the veterans who have served us all.

And on this day, I remember the late veterans in my family: my mom's first husband, John P. Milley, USN, decorated with the Silver Star at the battle of Leyte Gulf, and my uncle, Arthur Kirkwood, USN, who spent WWII in the silent service.