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Eason is currently the operations sergeant major for the 98th Division, 3rd Brigade in Salem, Va. He commands a brigade of drill sergeant units tasked with training soldiers deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan along with training basic initial entry recruits.
Wednesday, Eason thanked veterans for their service and for helping to keep the country free. “But let’s not forget about the soldiers who are now fighting in harm’s way and are far away from home and family,” he said.
He added he knows about this because a year ago at this time, he was in Baghdad fighting.
Soldiers don’t ask for much, Eason said. “They just want to know they are appreciated,” he said. “This can be done with a simple thank you, a card, letter or e-mail. It makes a difference. I know. I’ve been there.”
Eason gave a brief history of Veterans Day. World War I ended with an armistice between the Allies and Germany at the 11th hour of the 11th day of November 1918.
“It was declared the war to end all wars,” he said. “We know as veterans that wars don’t end wars.”
November 1919 was first commemoration of Armistice Day, which became a legal federal holiday in 1938.
In 1954, Congress changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor American veterans of all wars.
“Veterans Day honors all veterans living and dead,” he said. “Soldiers have answered the call of duty dating back to the founding of this country. Veterans have made many contributions and sacrifices.”
He noted there are 241,000 people serving in the military around the world in 121 countries. “Today is an opportunity to reflect. We will never forget,” Eason said. “We remember their sacrifices and it is important to recognize their sacrifices and acts of heroism.”
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