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OPINION 6 THE CHEROKEE LEDGER-NEWS MANAGING EDITOR: ERIKA NELDNER NOVEMBER 7, 2012 CHEROKEE VOICE ■ ISSUE: Veterans Day is this Sunday. QUESTION: How do you honor those who have served our country? S ervice to our country is not something to be overlooked. Oftentimes, this is taken for granted, more so in peacetime than wartime, but overlooked nonetheless. An image circulating the Internet last week in the wake of Frankenstorm brought tears to my eyes, and it’s one of those images that truly depicts dedication — the soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. The photograph shows three servicemen standing their posts, despite pouring rain and high winds. The photo, news reports say, really was taken in September, but that didn’t mat- “I’m putting out flags in front of the business I work for. We have some vets that work for us, and we make sure to tell them thanks.” “We visit my grandfather and father’s graves. My dad served in the Navy, and my grandfather was in the Army.” ter, because even as Sandy blew through Arlington, Va., the guards remained at attention. The Tomb Sentinels stay there all Dave Conklin Brian Bush day, every day, despite inclement Woodstock Woodstock (or downright dangerous in some cases) weather. The dedication of the guards (part of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment – The Old Guard) to protect the monument that is symbolic of all the soldiers lost “known only to God,” to me, is a symbol in itself of how important those who serve our country are. It doesn’t matter if they join the Marines, the Coast Guard, the Army or the Navy — the men and women who are willing to sacrifice themselves are worthy of our utmost respect. Among others, they do the things many of us won’t. “I go to the Veterans Day parade here (and) to the Georgia National Cemetery. My dad was a World War II POW and Korean War vet, and I also honor my brother ... and my nephew.” Pat Gold Canton “I support them all the time, not just on one day. I’m retired from the Merchant Marines. I also put a flag in my yard.” Cliff Walker Cherokee County Just last month, we welcomed home our family soldier, who spent nine months in Afghanistan. It was his fifth tour of duty, and he’s only 38 years old. It was the fifth time his wife took the role of mother and father to their son; it was the fifth time she took all the household duties; and it was the fifth time he sacrificed humane living conditions to answer the calls of our country. It was the fifth time he wasn’t just a phone call away at any time from his parents or siblings. It was the fifth time he ate dehydrated meals and walked almost a mile just to go to the bathroom. And, it was the fifth time he would sacrifice sleep to do the job he was called to do. But, it was also the fifth time “I ride my motorcycle. I usually do a charity ride that day.” Jeff Turner Lebanon THE CHEROKEE “I wear red every Friday. That actually started in Canada. ... I send (e-mails) each week to remind people. I will wear red every Friday until the troops come home.” Richard Kemp Canton LEDGER-NEWS Publisher Managing Editor DAVE CAUGHMAN ERIKA NELDNER ©2012 Lakeside Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved. Articles and advertisements may not be reprinted in whole or in part without the expressed written consent of Lakeside Publishing Inc. The Cherokee Ledger-News, published weekly on Wednesday by Lakeside Publishing, Inc., 103 E. Main St., Woodstock, GA 30188-4908. Periodicals postage paid at Monroe, GA and additional post offices. USPS 021-137. Postmaster: Please send address changes to The Cherokee Ledger-News P.O. Box 4932, Canton, GA 30114-9998. Phone (770) 928-0706 • Fax (770) 928-3152 Send e-mail to: editor@ledgernews.com Write us at P.O. Box 2369, Woodstock, GA 30188-1379 Disclaimer: The views expressed on the Opinion page are not necessarily the views of the publisher or the staff of the Cherokee Ledger-News Thank a veteran that he was welcomed home with open arms by a loving family who missed him. We are lucky. There are many family members who see their soldiers off for deployment and don’t get to welcome them home with a joyful hug. There are families who, instead of throwing a welcome home party, must plan a funeral. And, despite all of this, there are young men and women at only 18 years old, who step up and sign up to serve their country. There are many who have had it in their hearts since they DIALOGUE Erika Neldner were children that they wanted to grow up to be soldiers. They had the dream and the calling at an early age to fight for the freedom of which so many take advantage. Then there are the soldiers who, so long ago, fought in the trenches to protect our country from political evil — they, too, often are forgotten. Some of those soldiers still living today have grown old alone and some are even without homes. Some veterans must sit by the roadside, foregoing their pride, to ask for help. Many came home from war a completely different person than when they left — the horrors they saw still are with them. Some can no longer lead the normal life to which you and I are accustomed. There are many ways we can honor those who fight for us and our nation. One of my favorites usually is impromptu when I see a veteran out in public. Of course, they must be in uniform or be identified in some way as a veteran by what they’re wearing. I never intend to embarrass them, but I usually get a warm reception when I politely get their attention and thank them for their service. Most are quite humble and ■ don’t boast. A “thank you” usually is followed by a bashful-type “you’re welcome.” A great way to show your appreciation is to attend one of the many public ceremonies held for Veterans Day. There normally are veterans in attendance, in their uniforms, so you can personally shake their hands and give a special thanks. Some of the upcoming events are: • Nov. 11, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., The Park at City Center, 101 Arnold Mill Road: The city of Woodstock and the Maj. Gen. Warren R. Jobson Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1311 in Woodstock will host a special Veterans Day candlelight ceremony in the park. This year’s ceremony will recognize the 50-year anniversary of the United States’ involvement in Vietnam. There also will be an opportunity to respectfully retire dirty, torn and worn American flags by dropping them off at the dropbox in the park or in the parking lot of the fire department (225 Arnold Mill Road); and • The Thomas M. Brady Jr. American Legion Post 45 in Canton will host a Veterans Day parade Nov. 10, at 1 p.m., in the Historic Downtown Loop in Canton. No matter what your plans this weekend, take some time and thank someone who fought for your freedom, as they sacrificed some of the most important things in their lives. Veterans Day history • Armistice Day first observed in November 1919; • Became a legal holiday in May 1938 by an act of Congress; • After World War II and the Korean War, the holiday was renamed to Veterans Day; • Law passed on June 1, 1954, and signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower on Oct. 8, 1954; • What it means: to “honor America’s veterans for their patriotism love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
NOVEMBER 7, 2012 OPINION THE CHEROKEE LEDGER-NEWS 7 LETTERS n Remember those who sacrificed Dear Editor, We are our fathers and mothers’ sons and daughters, the glint in their eye that came to be their hopes and dreams with the promise that better days and tomorrows lay ahead if only they made it through “the war” or sacrifice of service. They served, and we honor their sacrifices of service to a nation and the countless people they defended or were prepared to defend at any given moment throughout the world. Veterans Day is a special day in America to say, “Thank you dad, mom, brother, sister, aunt or uncle for serving.” A thank you to someone who serves at a business you frequent or a recently returned veteran from Iraq, Afghanistan, or perhaps a World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Desert Storm, or a Balkans veteran you know of is all that it takes to be part of this special day. A kind word placed at the appropriate moment could make the difference in sparking enthusiasm, needed encouragement or Dear Editor, Smoking hits close to home for most Georgians. About one in five adults, one in four teens and one in nine tweens in the state are smokers. Smoking also hits close to home for cancer clinicians and researchers. We see the results every day: lung cancer (90 percent of which is caused by smoking) as well as cancers of the head, neck, esophagus, stomach, kidneys, bladder, cervix and blood— all of which share smoking as a risk factor. More people die from lung cancer every year (around 160,000) than any other, including cancers of the breast, prostate, blood, skin, colon and rectum combined. The best solution? Quit tobacco use and quit smoking. You may be surprised to know that quitting has immediate benefits. Within hours, the level of carbon monoxide in your blood begins to decrease. Heart rate and blood pressure, which go up while smoking, return to normal. And within the next weeks or months, you cough and wheeze less, while enjoying an improved sense of smell, which means food Dear Editor, achievement in the pursuit of a life’s goal or perhaps result in a rewarding conversation. A simple “thank you for your service” is all it takes to be part of what makes America such a great nation because we recognize sacrifice and dedication equal purpose. Perhaps your parent or relative is no longer with you and on this day you just happen to recall some of the moments and memories of their stories and snapshots of their life they shared with you. What they reflected on was to them a pivotal moment in their lives, which perhaps you intuitively understood made a difference in others, lives somewhere in the world. Well, on this Veterans Day you get that opportunity all over again because when we honor a veteran or their memory, we are seeing their hopes relived in us and their selfless sacrifice to make the world a better place reborn. You see, celebrating Veterans Day symbolizes who we are as Americans, galvanized by a common belief that we are there for one Tell Cherokee what you think. Letters to the Editor may be e-mailed to editor@ledgernews.com, faxed to (770) 928-3152 or mailed to 103 E. Main St., Woodstock, GA 30188. All letters must be 450 words or less, typed, include the writer’s name and phone number to verify authenticity. We reserve the right to reject publication. We reserve the right to edit for libel and brevity. The accuracy of all information contained in a letter to the editor is the letter-writers’s responsibility. nnn another. As we gather to recall our veterans, we are also thanking the nearly 800,000 of Georgia’s veterans amongst us and who are part of America’s 23 million celebrated in America this very day. Remembering those who sacrificed and served is a window into our own lives because you, too, will be remembered for your part. When you provide comfort, say a kind word, visit veterans in assisted living residences, process veteran’s claims, serve a veteran in a business, or hire a veteran; you come away feeling you did something that is greater than yourself. Their service and sacrifice cannot be extinguished because they are part of the unbroken ranks of America’s veterans we reflect upon and honor this very day. Let me close with the words from my father who was a WWII combat veteran, American POW compound leader and my American hero, “Do something for someone each day.” Col. Larry Mrozinski (Ret.) Woodstock Some facts about lung cancer will taste better. In the long term, quitting helps reduce your risk of premature death — a 90 percent risk reduction if you quit by age 30, and a 50 percent risk reduction for those who quit by age 50, according to the National Cancer Institute. To help quit tobacco use, my colleagues and I at the Georgia Health Sciences University Cancer Center recommend two strategies, which can double your chance of success: 1) Behavioral skills training. Resources including the GHSU Cancer Center Smoking-Cessation Clinic, hotlines (Georgia’s is 877-270-7867) and support groups can provide advice and support on tobacco cessation. 2) Medications. Nicotine replacement — available as patches or gums — can help overcome tobacco addiction over time. Another option is medication that targets nicotine receptors in the brain. (Talk to your doctor for more information.) But, because lung cancer still affects 40 percent of ex-smokers and 10 percent of those who have never smoked, research must remain an important focus. Lung cancer continues to lag behind in research funding. At least double the amount of research dollars (including $631 million in National Cancer Institute funding in 2010 alone) target breast cancer. Better funding means better treatment. If we are to improve the health of Georgians, smoking and tobacco cessation must be at the top of our to-do list. On the state and national level, we need more research funding. These additional dollars can yield new therapies that will reduce the number of deaths from lung cancer, and develop more community prevention strategies. On a personal level, education is nothing without action. Parents and caregivers, we encourage you to serve as healthy role models so your children never start smoking. If you do smoke, we invite you to take the first step in quitting: Call your doctor, call Georgia’s free quit line, or, if you’re ready, throw away that pack, please take this step today, for better health and better quality of life for you and your family. Dr. Samir N. Khleif Director, Georgia Health Sciences University Cancer Center Don’t base opinions on e-mails Upon reading the heartfelt letter to the editor from Mr. Stephen Hunton (Oct. 31 issue) regarding a picture he saw on the Internet about President Obama’s refusal to salute the flag, I was compelled to respond. While I understand Mr. Hunton’s letter was written after an emotionally charged day, I wish he would have taken the time to do a bit more research. There are so many untruths on the Web, and, unfortunately, this is one. With a quick search on Google, I came across a posting on Snopes.com that addresses this very subject. That picture and the commentary associated with it was a fake. I’m including a link so everyone can see for themselves: www. snopes.com/politics/obama/ stance.asp. It’s the perpetuation of misinformation like this that skews people’s views. Please don’t base your opinion of people solely on want you’ve received in your inbox. If I were to believe everything I’ve received via e-mail, I wouldn’t be able to get gas at the pump or buy clothes from Walmart, and I would be sure that if I gave my banking information to my longlost relative, I would get a portion of their $95 million inheritance. This election has proven to be an emotional one, but we cannot allow our emotions to dictate our decision to decide who would best get this country back on its feet. My sincerest sympathies for Mr. Hunton’s loss. God bless. Yolanda Deese Canton • Let’s take everything out of context and refer to yet another Bible version. The Soapbox clearly stated “meddling mothers-inlaw.” Remind you of anyone? • Having moved here from the Midwest, it has been difficult adjusting to how the Republican Party has a total stranglehold on all the positions of power. If you run as a Democrat, you simply have no chance. A number of races go unopposed. We would be much better served with strong two-party competition. Cherokee County is a middle class area. Does the Republican Party truly reflect our middle class values exclusively or is it blind loyalty? A closer inspection might prove the latter is true. • I’m a Cherokee County teacher who voted “no” for charter schools. I have 27 first-graders in my class and eight furlough days, and I’m still working hard, if not harder, to educate the children on less pay, less days and more children. • I propose that the Soapbox assigns a consecutive number to each posting where someone thanks the people ahead for buying their lunch so us readers have a running count of these redundant platitudes. • I wanted to thank the gentleman at the Riverstone Publix for letting me ahead of him in line since I had fewer groceries than he did. It was very kind and did not go unnoticed. • I’m so glad we’re getting a Walmart in Holly Springs. I can save my gas by not having to drive into Canton or Woodstock. • Smells like Chicago politics in Cherokee County with the way they are going after Brian Poole. Same kind of stuff they play up there. • If you vote, you have the right to complain about who wins or loses. If you don’t vote, you give up that right. Have a nice day. • Romney signs taken, huh? Prosecute? Good luck with that. The marshal’s office told me that anyone can take a political sign. In 2010, the deputy who met me on my stolen sign complaint told me that homeless people steal them to build their shacks. No lie. • Why doesn’t someone in the news print the truth about HOT lanes. HOV lanes are for anyone willing to carpool and reduce traffic. HOT lanes are for rich people who can afford to pay the toll. Poor people keep right. • I’ve only been in Cherokee County for a short time and will be moving out of state soon. I just hope my new community has a news source that is free like the Cherokee Ledger-News. Going to miss the Soapbox, however. • To the person who swiped my daughter’s cell phone at the Subway on Eagle Drive on Oct. 22: I just want to let you know that my daughter actually used that phone for emergencies related to her medical condition, and it’s not even a new phone. She saved her own money to buy a refurbished phone she could text on because we could not afford a nicer phone for her. I hope you enjoy your newly found loot. • Kudos to the folks managing the early voting in Canton. You did a great job keeping the line moving quickly, greeting everyone with a smile and keeping everything light. Other counties could take a lesson from you. • Hey, Soapbox: Someone complained earlier about the price that they are paying for water. When we left Lake Arrowhead, we were paying $60 a month. This was the basic fee, before one even started using the water. • I don’t understand why some parents must blast their music in the carpool line. Not every parent cares to hear your “music.” Be SOAPBOX n courteous of others. • I would love to know who the state or city genius was who determined it would be a good idea to temporarily block traffic on Ga. 140 in front of Cherokee High School on Oct. 30 for the homecoming parade during rush hour. Surely, the decision maker didn’t take into consideration that folks have already been sitting in traffic for 60 to 90 minutes after working an eight-plus-hour day. Maybe next time, the decision maker could suggest the school hold this type of event during their school day instead of allowing them to disrupt rush hour traffic. As if road rage isn’t easy enough to come by. • I want to thank Betty for turning in $40 cash that I lost in Walmart. It renews my faith in people. Thank you, Betty, for being honest. • How do I go about getting patents on homemade items? • As a runner on the sidewalks of Sixes Road, I can’t believe how inconsiderate dogs are in Cherokee County. Seems like dogs would be smart enough to move to the grass or pick up after themselves when they poop. • I really wish folks would get their facts straight before calling the Soapbox. Ohio’s early voting for non-military has not changed. The only change was a request to give the members of the military a few more days to mail in their absentee ballots due to logistics, that is those people that are in war zones. The Obama administration sued to block that request because they know the military votes do not support them. I’m from Ohio and I’m a 24-year military veteran. I think I know what I’m talking about. • Can somebody explain to me why our country, with such a huge deficit, borrows trillions of dollars from China and then we give it away to foreign countries we don’t like? Explain that to me. • Kudos to the poll workers manning early voting at the Woodstock Library. I’ve been voting at the library for many years, and this year, by far, was my most expeditious, pleasant and friendly experience voting there. You ladies and gentlemen run a welloiled machine. Thanks for your hard work and efficiency. • I live out here on Ga. 20 where they are widening the highway near Macedonia. About five or six weeks ago, I had to replace my toilet because it had so much rust in it and the bolts were rusted. In the five or six weeks since then, I’ve got a good bit of the dirt in my toilet bowl again and it’s brand new. Who’s going to be responsible if I have to replace it again? How many other people are having the same problems? • If you have dogs, please have the courtesy to not let your dogs to bark continuously. Since when are dogs more important than your neighbor’s peace and quiet? Come on people, let’s start caring about one another. The Soapbox is intended to engage light-hearted conversation and engender the humorous side of life. Lengthy opinions should be addressed in a letter to the editor. The Ledger-News reserves the right not to publish Soapbox items based on libel or other considerations the editor and publisher deem valid. Comments may be edited for brevity. Keep comments as brief as possible. To submit a Soapbox, call (770) 928-1055 or e-mail editor@ledgernews.com.
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