DOVER— For Jim Dorton, Veterans Day has a unique meaning.
“It means a lot to me personally,” Mr. Dorton said. “I did 20 years in the Air Force, but that wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for my family. I just wanted to carry on the tradition.
“My dad was in the Korean War, my uncles were in World War II and my brother served in Vietnam,” he added.
“My dad and uncle passed away, so it kind of makes me remember what they did during this special day.”
The Air Mobility Command Museum honored all military personnel, past and present, during a Veterans Day ceremony.
Jay Darcey, a retired chief master sergeant, has 30 years of experience in the Air Force as a law enforcement specialist.
“I went to church today and I thank God that I made 30 years of service,” he said. “There are many servicemen and servicewomen that gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life.
“We need to never forget what our veterans have done for this country. They provided us with freedom of religion, speech and everything else. We are the greatest country in the world because of our veterans.”
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day marking the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918, became a national holiday in 1938.
In 1954 Congress, at the urging of veteran groups, changed the word “Armistice” to “Veterans” to observe the day.
U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Bill Welser (Ret.), who served as the guest speaker during the ceremony felt there’s a sense of disconnect between the younger generation regarding Veterans Day.
“We have a lot of young men and women that serve in JROTC programs and scouts, but there is a small percentage of our country that don’t have a better understanding of the sacrifices that were made for them to have the freedoms they have today,” he said.
“When you think about it, 16.1 million people went to World War II and it was talked about in every family, and now the Air Force is half the size it was when I was in active duty.
“There are fewer parents and grandparents that are telling their children about the active duty or the military and I think that’s the disconnect we have,” Lt. Gen. Welser added.
Mr. Darcey shared the same sentiment.
“Not enough people remember this day,” Mr. Darcey said. “More young people should be at these ceremonies to realize what our veterans have done for them.
“We forget about Sept. 11 already and that was only 14 years ago. We need to make sure we appreciate what the military does and that’s what happens on this special day.”