We are approaching Veterans Day.

History in general has taken a back seat in America for decades, and for those who tout the need to learn its lessons, we have flunked. As the closure of the first quarter of the 21st Century comes to an end, we thrive by entertaining ourselves to death.

It is difficult to imagine what the world would be like today if Nazi Germany would have won the Second World War.

This week we honor our American soldiers who have brought us a better life, with Mountain State men and women serving in huge numbers for our causes, although some of our causes in my lifetime have often failed a justification test.

In tiny, remote Calhoun County, the servitude has been monumental.

Also fading from the rural landscape, veteran's groups, at times drawing 300 people to the vet's day celebrations.

This week we will try to honor them with some of the hundreds of stories that glossed the Hur Herald over 30 years.

Take a moment.