Today, Americans are celebrating Veterans Day, a legal holiday honoring all veterans of the Armed Forces. It’s a time to not only remember our veterans but also to thank them for their unselfish service, protecting the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Yesterday, the staff and clients of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home in Reserve, with other veterans and the general public, celebrated the holiday.

A special tribute was paid to Edwin Borne, a resident of the Veterans Home who served 30

years in the U.S. Marines. Borne,

a Purple Heart recipient, spent

close to four years in a Japanese prison camp. He fought in World War II and the Korean War. While defending Wake Island, an American possession close to Japan, he was injured. For 16 days, he and 400 other Marines fought off the Japanese in what was called, in spite of their surrender, a courageous stand that changed

the course of the war in the

Pacific.

When freed from the Japanese prison camp, Borne weighed less than 90 pounds.

The staff at the Veterans Home decided to name a man-made pond on the grounds “Wake Island” as a tribute to Borne.

A local couple, Forrest and Diane Smith, aren’t household names and haven’t made the front page of any newspaper. What part have they played to be recognized on this national holiday?

Forrest, an Army veteran, and his wife take special pride that three of their four sons are also Army veterans. While in the military they served in Iraq. Michael and Andrew each served one year, and Greg served two years.

I’ve known this family for 30 years and have always admired their patriotism. I know Forrest and Diane prayed daily for the safety of their children but not once complained about their service to our country.

Since their discharge from the military, the Smith brothers are quick to share that service to their country was an honor and a privilege with no regrets.

To Mr. Borne, the Smith family, and all veterans: Thanks for protecting our country, one nation under God.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70094, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.