Letter: We should honor those who have served

Illustration by Troy Becker / Forum Communications Opinion by Ted Storck Today at 7:18 PM Listen Comments Share Share this article Letters To The Editor Letters To The Editor Ideas and conclusions submitted and held solely by readers, and do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications. The Trust Project What is this? On Nov. 11, 2026, we mark 108 years since the guns fell silent across Europe, bringing an end to the "War to End All Wars"—the Great War, which we now know as World War I. More than a century has passed since those brutal battles baptized the U.S. military into the horrors of modern industrial warfare. While the conflict began with the "guns of August" in 1914, the United States did not enter the fray until nearly three years later. The human toll was staggering: an estimated 40 million people perished globally, including 117,000 Americans. Across Europe, entire villages were permanently wiped off the map. Even today, travelers through the tiniest hamlets of France will find solemn monuments dedicated to the war dead. ADVERTISEMENT The tragedy hit close to home, too. In Minnesota and North Dakota, we lost many of our finest citizens to the battlefield, the devastating influenza pandemic, and other wartime causes. Their legacy is etched in stone in memorials all across our states. Today, those who fought and died rest in cemeteries throughout our nation and right here in our own back yard. For most, their names have faded from memory. When they are remembered, it is often by aging grandchildren and great-grandchildren who navigate the rows of headstones with canes or walkers. While we faithfully honor their sacrifice with flags on Memorial Day, the harsh reality is that for the rest of the year, their service is often forgotten—just as we too easily overlook the sacrifices of those who have served and are serving today. This November 11th, I ask you to first remember those who served in World War I. Then, let that remembrance expand to honor every veteran who has worn our nation's uniform, from the years before the United States was even founded up to the present day. We will only remain the land of the free if new generations of young men and women continue to step up and answer the call to serve. As we observe Veterans Day this year, we offer our deepest gratitude to all who have served, and to the families who have steadfastly stood behind them. Ted Storck is a retired U.D. Navy commander in Morris, Minnesota. READ MORE OF THE LATEST LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter: These elected officials are far from bizarre 4h ago Letter: Our wild horses deserve more than promises 5d ago Letter: Midterm elections always favor the party not in power 5d ago Letter: Healthcare costs are out of control 6d ago Letter: Trump's weaponization of the Justice Department will come back to haunt him 6d ago Comments Share Share this article Letters To The Editor Letters To The Editor Ideas and conclusions submitted and held solely by readers, and do not reflect opinions of Forum Communications. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Letters Letter: Don't fall for 'unclaimed money' pitch 6d ago · By Thomas Beadle Letters Letter: North Dakota’s $9 billion trust fund is already working Nov 3 · By Steven L. Johnson Letters Letter: Same CT scan, 14 different prices Nov 2 · By Cody A. Kristenson ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads Prep Preps Plus: Region's athletes ink collegiate future on Signing Day 3h ago · By Andrew Haugland Moorhead Moorhead man accused in deadly shooting says he's ready for second trial 1h ago · By Matt Henson Columns Port: The voters are standing behind North Dakota's property tax cap 13h ago · By Rob Port Women's Sports Bison women's basketball signs two North Dakotans, part of large 2027 signing class 8h ago · By Dom Izzo