If you were asked to define the military veteran, your response would most likely expose more about the content of your character than you might imagine. Trying to describe a military veteran in simple textbook fashion could possibly show a serious lack of understanding for America's proud heritage. To indicate an unawareness of the sacrifice made by our American military veterans and their actions that shaped the course of history would show a lack of respect for the very flag that many of them died to protect. Those of us who have not walked in their footsteps may forever be unable to completely understand what they endured.

How could anyone find the words to express adequate thanks for those who liberated the Nazi death camps? How can it ever be possible to properly convey our gratitude for those who returned from the beaches of Normandy, Battle of the Bulge, jungles of Vietnam, Germany, Korea, Pearl Harbor, air raids over Europe, Japan, the Middle East and countless other battle fields? How does anyone find words of comfort to tell a mother that her son or daughter has been killed in action?

This is why Veterans Day has such great importance. It's our opportunity to express thanks. A chance to rekindle an American tradition with a long history of moving patriotism front and center. A chance to say their cause was just, that the lives we lost will never be forgotten, that we remember with the utmost respect the sacrifice they made. This Veterans Day, go visit the grave of a fallen patriot. Take the family and watch a parade, tell a veteran thanks, shake his hand. It's the right thing to do.

Mike Captain is proud to have served. When he returned from Vietnam with about a hundred other veterans in 1969, there was no brass band to welcome them home. There were no dignitaries to greet them with a simple handshake of gratitude. All they really expected was just to be home again with a chance for a new beginning. They certainly never expected to be spit on or called names for serving their country, but that's what happened.

Bill Dickerson, 1922 - 2005. United States Army, Purple Heart recipient. Proudly served.

Carl Ellis is a Korean war veteran, and a member of the American Legion for over 50 years. He is still active in the rights of veterans. He has always believed that not only did he defend his country, but his family and neighbors as well.

Clyde Johnson, 1917 - 2008. United States Army, Purple Heart recipient. Proudly served.

Terry Skaggs who volunteered to join the United States Navy, ended up being assigned to Vietnam. He now serves with other veterans on a military honor guard at graveside services. A voluntary position that brings dignity and protocol to fallen members of the military.

Oris Shook, 1923 - 2006. United States Army Air Corp, Purple Heart recipient. Proudly served.

There are American Legion and VFW post locations throughout our local area. They offer a strong network of support and education toward the rights of veterans. Shannon Harshbarger is commander of American Legion Post 16 on 6th Avenue.

"Because of the camaraderie and similar military experience of our members, I would encourage all veterans to consider membership in these organizations," said Harshbarger. "Our mission is important, because far too many people in this country of ours fail to understand what the veteran has done for their freedom."

Scott Preston Webb, 1923 - 2004. United States Army, Purple Heart recipient. Proudly served.

Women have played a greater roll in the war effort than many may realize. The Woman's Army Corps was formed in 1942. This allowed women the right to enter into the military. They served as electrician specialists, radio mechanics, telephone operators, cryptographers, sheet metal workers and many other skills. The rolls they performed, the skills they acquired and the contributions they made were a major force at bringing the war to an end.

Sophia M. Burns, 1913-1998. Women's United States Army Corps. World War II. Proudly served.

George Carter is a Vietnam veteran. He served as a Navy medic in the field of combat. He has witnessed first hand the demoralizing results of modern day warfare on the human spirit as well as the body.

"I would like to think that every soldier I patched up and loaded into a helicopter survived the trip home," said Carter. "Many of them were in pretty serious condition." Carter is now 64 and a recently retired school teacher.

William W. Alexander, 1920 - 2000. United States Army, World War II. Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient. Proudly served.

James B. Ford was drafted by the United States Army, served in Korea and says that he quickly discovered the benefits of team work while in basic training. Ford is now over 70 years of age and still does the same type of engine mechanical work he did for the Army. He is also a veteran who believes that the draft should have never been done away with.

Robert E. Harris, 1927 - 2006. United States Army, Korea. Bronze Star. Proudly served.

Tobie Dinkens Jr. served with the United States Army in Vietnam. He's proud to have given those years to his Country. "The Army thinks I'm too old to fight anymore," said Dinkens. "But I would go again if they would take me, and I know others who would go, too."

Paul L. Morrison, 1920 - 1997. United States Army, World War II, Purple Heart recipient. Proudly served.

Millard Price was drafted by the United States Army and proudly served during World War II. "It seems like a long time ago now," said Price, who is now 86. "There were a few times that I thought I would never make it home to see my family again."

Ricky L. Johnson, 1962 - 2007, United States Navy, Persian Gulf. Thank you, and thanks to all veterans who served in the Middle East.

Dennis McComas still hears those rocket attacks that occurred most every night while stationed with the 1st Logistical Command in Vietnam. He served with the United States Army. He feels that all veterans share a great sense of pride for having served their Country

Carroll F. Fugate Jr, 1931 - 1993, United States Marine Corps, Korea. Purple Heart recipient. Proudly served.

Oto Martin is one of the few awarded the Purple Heart while living. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was shot in the back while on night patrol in France. Now 92, he has no regrets, but wouldn't want to do it again.

Robert C. Arbaugh, 1902 - 1982, United States Marine Corps. World War I. Proudly served.

Earl "Mellow" Wilkinson served with the United States Marines during the Korean War. One night during intense fighting, he left his foxhole to help fellow Marines extinguish an ammunition storage fire. No sooner had he left the "safety" of his foxhole when it exploded from enemy mortar fire. He still believes God was watching him that night. "The winter of 1951 in Korea was the coldest I ever remember," said Wilkinson. "We burned kerosene soaked in sand while living in a make-shift hut constructed from sand bags to keep from freezing."

Edward A. Clark, 1923 - 1997, United States Army, World War II. Purple Heart recipient. Proudly served.

Martin Mansperger served with the United States Army during World War II. He speaks proudly of those years he served. Now 84, he has been living at the Barboursville Veterans Home for over 20 years. His days are spent taking care of the library where he lives. Mansperger was most adamant in his opinion that all men who reach their 18th birthday should serve two years in the military.

William V. Lemley, 1921 - 2001, United States Army, World War II. Purple Heart recipient. Proudly served.

There were many veterans interviewed during the course of this article. Several hours were also spent walking through area cemeteries searching for military headstones that indicated the award of the Purple Heart. Neither could be accomplished without becoming emotionally connected to what was seen and heard. Some veterans were simply unable to share the horror of war. They may have wanted to, but found it impossible to talk about. God only knows what they carry inside.

Families with living veterans should make every attempt to gather as much from their loved ones before it becomes too late. Their story should never be lost in death, but passed on through future generations. They all have stories that add to America's proud tradition. This Wednesday is Veterans Day. A day to remember those who put the free in freedom. It's the right thing to do.

Clyde Beal is a veteran living in the Huntington area. If you would like to share your military experience, write him at archie350@verizon.net.

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American Legion Post 16 oversees the burial rights of a fallen veteran.

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