This past Veterans Day, I had the day off from my government job, as I always have. I know that because of the sacrifices made by the many military personnel, I live in a free country. I have ancestors that fought in the Revolutionary War and in World War I. My father and uncle served in World War II and both of my brothers served in the military.
On the following day, a friend came into the deeds office where I work in Alfred, and asked if I enjoyed my day off. I told him I had. “It’s a funny thing,” he said. “I served in Vietnam, but I didn’t get the day off.”
He owns his own survey company and told me that any veteran working for him has the day off. The banks were closed and so were the government offices so he couldn’t even get some of the required information he needs to do his job.
It doesn’t seem right. That day is set aside to honor those who have served, past and present. It seems to me that the ones who should have the day off are the veterans.
Patricia Mayo, Alfred
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