Thanking Veterans, Celebrating Freedom

ZANESVILLE, Ohio – In downtown Zanesville on Saturday morning, hundreds of people celebrated our veterans.

But veteran’s day isn’t just about the parade. One veteran, Bud Johnson says it’s much bigger.

“The freedom that you’re — living in right now — would not be here if it wasn’t for the veterans.”

Veteran’s day is when we go out of our way to thank the men and women who have served. Johnson says you shouldn’t just say thank you on the holiday each November.

“One day a year is set aside a year for the people to appreciate them and thank them. They should thank them every time they see them. You know, you’re free. You’re allowed to do what you wanna do when you wanna do it. Within the limits of the law. You oughtta thank the veterans because that’s why they’re not on our shores — and that’s why you can do it.”

He says he joined because he didn’t want people in his country to suffer.

“In school — you read the history of the tyrants and others — the socialistic company — countries and such. And you think ‘Why? Do you want to see your sister, your brother, your mother, anybody go through that? No — no.’ None of us wanted to get shot, but we didn’t want that stuff here in our country.

Another veteran, Ron Gottke tells us he spent years away from his family while fighting for our country.

“It’s difficult to leave the families when you leave. I’m retired navy myself. I did 11 1/2 years sea time. My wife, thank goodness, raised my four kids.”

Gottke says every veteran understood when they joined their branch that they would have to make sacrifices for their country.

“We all signed on the dotted line. Put our lives — sacrificed for the freedom of the world and the country to help all Americans become free. It’s been our honor to serve our country.”