By Sara Strong
Luverne Vietnam veteran Terrie Gulden sees Veterans Day as a way to acknowledge the past and hope for a peaceful future.
Gulden is known to Rock County residents as director of the busing service Heartland Express, but Monday he spoke as part of a celebration of veterans at the Minnesota Veterans Home.
"As a veteran, this is a very special day for me," he said.
Gulden reminded the audience at the Minnesota Veterans Home that 226 years ago America’s founding fathers declared all men equal and defined their rights.
Since then, military personnel have sacrificed to ensure Americans’ rights are protected.
"Freedom isn’t free," Gulden said. "… Sometimes it comes at a terrific price."
Gulden said sacrificing for freedom doesn’t always mean casualties during a battle. Small sacrifices of personal freedoms sometimes protect the freedom of a nation.
"Since the Revolutionary and Civil War there has been peace within our borders," Gulden said.
That all changed Sept. 11, 2001, with the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon.
"The twin towers aren’t far from here," Gulden said, citing recent national security releases that estimate terrorism will continue and hit the Midwest.
"This war is unlike any other war we’ve fought, but the goals are the same," Gulden said.
"Today I give thanks to the men and women of our military. I understand the sacrifices military people make — the greatest of which is life," Gulden said. "My comfort in all of this is that I know God is with each one who is asked to give that sacrifice."
Gulden asked people to take time to pray for peace and good judgment in leaders on Veterans Day.