Cheshire Is Better Than This

Although it would be foolish of me to fancy myself a world traveler, there's little doubt I've been around. It's a real blessing for me to have been able to experience different locations and cultures across the United States and even across the globe.

Yet I love living in Cheshire. As a matter of disclosure, I've only been a resident since 2008. I'm a happy resident, though, one who really loves his town. That's why it pained me to learn that our resident's children would have to attend school this Veteran’s Day.

I know, I know, there's a lot of holidays out there the kids get off. I'm also aware of the needs of a diverse student population (as a child, I attended public school in Waterbury, which was – and still is – about as diverse as it gets). Still, if it weren't for our veterans, we might not be able to celebrate the holidays we want to. Nor might we be able to live in a free and integrated society.

Don't believe me? Check up on the philosophies of the Third Reich and Al Qaeda. Those two names alone should make you want to hug a vet. Saving our thanks for Thanksgiving is not only unnecessary, it's just plain wrong. Having our children attend school on a day dedicated to those who have served us smacks of ingratitude.

Cheshire is better than this.

I'll depart with one final tidbit. My brother in law, a Cheshire resident, returned home this summer from his second tour of Afghanistan. He took part in a lot of action there. He witnessed a lot of blood being spilled. Not only did he miss the birth of his only daughter, he missed out on watching his sons grow. He doesn't complain. He's glad he did it.

Today he's out with his family, attending a civic event dedicated to he and others like him. Yet his oldest son, who had to live through some very formative years wondering if his father was coming home or not, can't be with him.

Why? Because he has to spend the day in school.