The annual veterans ceremony in downtown Belleville is a very special event and I encourage our young high school and college men and woman to make it a date next year and attend.

There are some things you can't learn in a book. The presence of veterans and especially Korean or World War II vets, whom some people say was our greatest generation, is a very special event to observe. There is always a kindred spirit within all veterans to each other and the sacrifices they made so we may live another day with all of the rights and blessing that have been bestowed to us. The speakers at the event were great and they topped it off with a great singer.

I was very glad that this was not a forum for political posturing.

I would encourage all employers to hire as many veterans as possible, regardless of age. Their work ethic, team work, loyalty and input is second to none.

Vernon Baugh

Belleville