Thoughts of attack linger on Veterans day

Today is a particularly poignant Veterans Day observance as thoughts linger of those who were wounded and lost their lives in the shootings at Fort Hood in Texas last week.

President Obama pointed out the tragic nature of the slayings at a memorial service Tuesday for the 12 soldiers and 1 civilian who were killed in the murderous rampage by a disgruntled Army major.

"This is a time of war, and yet these Americans did not die on a foreign field of battle," said the president. "They were killed here, on American soil..."

That perhaps more than anything shocked the nation. Who would have thought it was possible for this attack to take place on a secure U.S. Army base within our own country, and that is would be conducted by a member of the military?

There is an expectation of danger when one deploys to a war zone, as many of those who were shot were preparing to do. While it is no consolation if harm comes to an individual in a war zone, it is at least understandable.

Of course the reality is that those who serve in the military can face danger daily whether serving in this country or elsewhere. How often have we seen the tragedy of military training accidents right here in our own community?

Despite the sorrow of the Fort Hood attacks, there were uplifting moments also.

Fellow soldiers rushed to the aid of their fallen comrades, even in the face of potential death. A young Department of Defense police officer, Kimberly Munley, put her life on the line when she confronted and shot down the gunman. She was seriously wounded in the action but her thoughts while being taken to the hospital remained on how many others had been hurt in the rampage.

Veterans Day is a time to remember those who have served in our nation's military and may have put themselves in harm's way repeatedly. No better example of this dedication to duty and country exists than those at Fort Hood who responded when circumstances called on them to give their best.

Today is a time to think about them and all the veterans who have done the same thing.