Two minutes…that’s all we’re asking.

Even if you do not choose to attend one of three Veterans’ Day ceremonies scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 11, here in the Roanoke-Chowan area, please consider the following:

At 11 a.m., wherever you may be (other than operating a vehicle), pause for two minutes in observance of this special day.

We’re not asking you to offer up a prayer, not unless you find it in your heart to do so. All we’re asking is to remember the bravery of our men and women, living or deceased, who proudly wear or wore the uniform of any of the branches of the United States military.

It makes no difference if these individuals served during a time of war or peace. The fact of the matter is that they served in order to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans.

While they were huddled inside a foxhole in a foreign land, we were at home in a warm bed.

While they were eating pre-prepared rations, we were dining on a hot, home-cooked meal with our families or treating ourselves to dinner at a restaurant.

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who have served this great nation, from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and today with the ongoing war on terrorism.

Stop and think if one of those numerous conflicts had gone the other way…what rule would we be under today; what language would we speak?

Two minutes isn’t much to ask in return for the untold number of hours, days, months and years of service by our American military.