Honoring the Brave Who Served Our Country – The Downey Patriot

On November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day and recognize all who have served our nation with honor and distinction. The veterans have earned our undying gratitude, and we will never forget their sacrifices. We honor all who have answered the call to service.

As a civilian advisor to the Secretary of the Army, I work closely with some great Army soldiers and veterans. I see firsthand the positive impact Army veterans have on their communities and how their service equips them with valuable skills and experience. By sharing their positive military experiences, veterans can educate the public and encourage the next generation to serve. The U.S. Army values ​​and cares for its veterans both during and after their service. In fact, about half of the civilians working in the military are veterans, often referred to as “soldiers for life.”

Duty to our country is one of the reasons people want to serve in the military. It opens the way to a life of service. The U.S. Army offers diverse opportunities for a rewarding and dynamic military career. Army soldiers can choose from a wide range of occupations and careers. You make lifelong connections. This experience makes them invaluable contributors to their organizations and communities upon their retirement from the Army.

Currently, only 1 percent of our country serves in the military, and 61 percent of those who serve have been exposed to military life through friends or family. This is an indicator that veterans know firsthand the benefits of a military career and can bridge the gap between those who are familiar with military life and those who have never considered the military as a career. If you are a veteran, I encourage you to share positive stories about your service this Veterans Day.

Veteran stories connect Americans to the value of military service and inspire the next generation to serve. History of Veterans Day For nearly a century, we have celebrated Veterans Day on the anniversary of the Armistice that ended fighting on the Western Front in World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day an official, annual national holiday. In 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day. While Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have died serving their country, Veterans Day is a time to remember all those who have served, past and present.

Many of our surviving veterans are members of what we call the all-volunteer force. For those unfamiliar with the military, when we say we are an all-volunteer force, we do not mean that soldiers are not paid for their work. We believe that soldiers choose to serve.

In the Army, you receive a paycheck and countless other valuable financial and educational benefits. Additionally, the Army creates the conditions for being part of a close-knit community held together by lifelong bonds with fellow soldiers and veterans. You have a career path that knows no boundaries.

In the Army you can be anything you can be and the strength of our armed forces is reflected in the quality and professionalism of our people. If you are a veteran who has served your country, I would like to personally thank you for your commitment to our country's security and for being part of the best military in the world.

In the Army, we consider our people our greatest asset. Our all-volunteer Army is a credit to Americans of all races, genders and creeds. Our common commitment to defense and love of country binds us and unites us. This goes to the heart of what it means to be an American.

As a nation, we must ensure that the service and sacrifices of our veterans are never overlooked or forgotten. The Army believes that every Soldier is a “Soldier for Life” and is committed to eliminating barriers to their success both within and outside the Army. In the United States, we serve approximately 18 million veterans – approximately 7 percent of the adult population. Their service extends from World War II to our recent conflicts in the Middle East.

On Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women from all walks of life who have fought to defend our nation throughout our history. The United States now has the largest population of young veterans since the Vietnam War. We owe it to these men and women to ensure that as they transition from active duty they have the skills and experience to find meaningful employment. No matter what military branch our veterans served in – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard or Space Force – this day belongs to them.

Generations of patriots have dedicated the past two hundred and forty-nine years to defending our country, making us stronger and more resilient as a nation. Soldiers live by the Army's values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage. They do not leave these values ​​and skills behind when they transition to civilian life and maintain a lifelong identification with the army. Soldiers are not “former” soldiers, they are “soldiers for life” and are uniquely qualified to serve the Army. By telling their personal Army stories, they help connect the public with the Army.

The Army's Soldier for Life program works in communities across the country to create opportunities for our soldiers, veterans and families and encourages veterans to stay connected to the Army. Currently, our service members and veterans from other services across the country include teachers, doctors, engineers, social workers, community leaders, first responders and elected officials. They continue to serve our communities by making positive contributions, building a stronger future and inspiring future generations. Our nation's veterans have kept us free throughout our history, returned home and continued to serve our nation in many ways.

Today we say thank you to all of them.

Dn. Mario A. Guerra is the two-time former mayor of Downey and currently serves as civilian advisor to the Secretary of the Army. He can be reached at www.marioaguerra.com