Column By Mike Bibb
“The Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act, according to the United States Congress, requires that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe a two-minute national moment of silence on Veterans Day at 3:11 PM Atlantic standard time, 2:11 PM Eastern standard time, 1:11 PM Central standard time, 12:11 PM Mountain standard time, 11:11 AM Pacific standard time, 10:11 AM Alaska standard time, and 9:11 AM Hawaii-Aleutian standard time.”
U.S. Government
Wow, on Nov. 11, citizens are granted a full two minutes! Where do I find the time to take 120 seconds — out of 86,400 seconds a day — to acknowledge the deeds of our military veterans?
The United States Congress was way too generous in allowing the millions of men and women who’ve honorably served our nation in both war and peace to be recognized for their past and present achievements.
If I recall correctly, the participants and fans of Gay Pride Month get 30 days to celebrate their particular contributions to society.
President Joe Biden even allowed the Gay Pride Flag to hang from the White House balcony for the entire month of June, while revelers whooped it up on the lawns and held parades in whatever attire the imagination could conjure— or no costumes at all!
Yet, service members of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Space Force, Sea Bees (Construction Battalion), and related organizations are given 2 minutes of Congress-recognized silence to ponder, pray, and thank these individuals for everything they’ve helped to provide us for every hour of every day, of every week, of every month, of every day of every year since 1776.
Actually, the day before, Nov. 10, was the 251st birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
However, in Arizona and other states, veterans must pay an extra fee (tax) for the privilege of displaying a veteran license plate on their car or truck.
An extra $25 — above the regular cost of annual renewal.
A funny way for the state to show their appreciation of vets. “Thanks for your service. Now, that will be an additional twenty-five bucks for the USMC license plate. Thank you and have a nice day,” MVD expresses their gratitude.
Wait, I’m assured portions of the additional fees go to worthwhile causes — even to veterans.
That’s fine. However, why not let me decide which charitable groups I wish to contribute to and eliminate the add-on price of the military plate for veterans who’ve already paid an additional cost in time and service?
Is that asking too much?
Apparently, in Arizona it is.
I’m shortening this article today before it cuts into my two minutes of “moment of silence.”
Since that’s all the feds allow, every “moment” of the moment of silence is precious!
The opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the author.
