Not every military veteran, not even those who polish up their medals and shrug into old uniform jackets at the ceremonial bidding of the calendar, long for a return to the rigid provisions of their enlisted - or conscripted - service. ...more

November 30, 2008 |

Highlands County residents serving in the military will get a $75 grant from county government for every month of duty in a combat zone. ...more

November 20, 2008 |

Honor. What a powerful word! It is hard to define it in a way that will please everyone. Many define it as respect, admiration, reputation or reverence. What I am focusing on goes far beyond mere words. ...more

June 22, 2008 |

It's a sacred day for all war veterans, none need to be reminded of the reason why Memorial Day must be commemorated. Soldiers in uniform, a 21-gun salute, bugles playing taps: These are special ways we honor a military veteran at his or her funeral. The gunfire salute is an ancient ceremony that was adopted in 1875. Taps was composed in camp Harrison's Landing in 1862 to replace Tattoo. Volleys over the grave originated from an Army custom of halting battle to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army cleared its dead, three volleys were fired to indicate they were ready to resume the battle. This remains a meaningful ritual today, symbolizing the battle of life is over for the person who has died, but the battle of life must continue for those living. Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. The citizens of America owe their freedom to all who have given their lives for us. It only takes a minute to say "thank you" who gave their lives so I can have mine. ...more

May 22, 2008 |

Ritchie "G" Golder was zigzagging in the roadway, sprinting to every parked car he could while the stoplight was still red. ...more

May 18, 2008 |

Ritchie "G" Golder was zigzagging in the roadway, sprinting to every parked car he could while the stoplight was still red. ...more

May 17, 2008 |

Treat the Troops was founded on a simple concept: baking cookies. A woman in South Carolina decided a few years ago that troops in Iraq would enjoy batches upon batches of homemade cookies - and she was right. Today, the charity group receives 250 requests per month from military men and women overseas. ...more

October 21, 2007 |