Today we honor the men and women in uniform who have defended our country from those who would cause us harm. It’s a national day, but ultimately is very personal for each city and town. In Greenwood, Arkansas, where I live, the center of our small square is the Veteran’s Memorial. This is an old photo, but it gives you an idea of how the memorial looks today. There is a small bronze statue representing each service that are on the ground at the base of the clock. People have honored the veterans in their family, buying a small plaque which is engraved with the veteran’s name, rank, branch of service and dates. Newer plaques are added to the others from time to time. The park kind of resembles the spokes on an old wagon wheel now and each plaque has an American flag on days like today. There are sidewalks so that you can walk through reading the names, or sit on a bench.
The schools have assemblies honoring the veterans who wish to attend. There is a parade that goes around the square. Bands play. People remember. Veterans receive free meals today.
My husband served for 4 years in the Marine Corps before we were married. I told him I would like to buy a plaque for him to go in the park. He got upset with me, saying he didn’t ‘deserve to be there.’ He thinks that only veterans who died for their country should be there. We agreed to disagree.
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