Placer County Veterans Day ceremony more than stones, names

Across the fabric of our nation's history, one truth has remained constant. The American veteran is the backbone of our freedom. From the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Baghdad, from the mountains of Korea to the jungles of Vietnam, it has always been the courage and conviction of our service members that have protected this land from enemies foreign and domestic. It is because of their strength, their sacrifice and their faith in the ideals of this country that America continues to stand as the greatest nation on the planet. As a veteran myself, I've learned service never really ends. It simply takes on new forms, whether it's raising a family, serving your community or helping another veteran find their way home. That is why Veterans Day holds such deep importance to me. It's not just another date on the calendar. It's a day when we pause, together, to remember that every freedom we enjoy – every choice, every opportunity, every quiet night with our children safe at home – exists because of those who stood guard for us. That's why I would like to personally invite you, your family and your friends to join us for this year's Veterans Day Ceremony at the Placer County Veterans Monument at McBean Memorial Park in Lincoln, formerly known as the Lincoln Veterans Memorial. This year's ceremony will take place on Nov. 11 – the 11th day, at the 11th hour and the 11th minute, following the tradition established in remembrance of the 1918 armistice that ended World War I. This will be one of our most remarkable gatherings yet, featuring bagpipes, a powerful rendition of the national anthem, a jet flyover saluting America's heroes and special remarks from Congressman Kevin Kiley and other respected community leaders who continue to champion our veterans and their families. We expect an incredible turnout – veterans, families and proud Americans standing shoulder to shoulder as we honor those who have defended our Constitution and protected our way of life. When I stand before that monument each year, I see more than stone and names. I see stories. Every plaque represents a life that carried the torch of freedom. Here in California, there are more than 1.8 million veterans, the largest population of veterans in the nation. In Placer County alone, nearly 24,000 residents have worn the uniform – roughly 7 percent of our adult population, far higher than the state average. That is something worth honoring, and that is a legacy worth building upon. Our Placer County Veterans Monument, which I am proud to serve as a board member, was created to ensure those stories never fade. But this wall still has space, and that space represents an opportunity for you to honor a veteran you know by dedicating a plaque in their name. Each plaque tells a story of courage, duty and devotion. Whether for a loved one, a friend or a family member who served, it is a timeless tribute that becomes part of this living memorial, a place where the community can appreciate the safeguard memories of our service member. To me, Veterans Day represents the very spirit of America. It reminds us that a small percentage of brave men and women – less than 7 percent of Americans – made the choice to raise their right hand and swear an oath to protect this country, its people and its Constitution. They are the reason we can pursue happiness, raise our children in safety and live the lives envisioned by our nation's founders. Veterans Day is not only about remembering the fallen, it is about honoring the living and ensuring the legacy of their sacrifice and bravery, lives forever. I invite you to stand with us this Veterans Day. Join us on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at McBean Memorial Park in Lincoln as we come together to honor the heroes who have kept our nation free. You can register for the ceremony and dedicate a plaque to any veteran – from anywhere in the United States – by visiting the official website at www.LincolnVeteransMemorial.org. Help us accomplish our mission to fill this wall with the names of those who served, and please join us in a ceremony that will remind us all of what it truly means to be American. Nick Busse is CEO of MilitaryEngagement.com, founder of Veterans of Greater Sacramento Facebook Group, board member of the Placer County Veterans Monument, and former candidate for Roseville City Council District 5.