11/11/2024
While other dealerships may use this day as an excuse for a sale, Merrimack Street Volvo will be closed, as it has been every Veterans Day. Some days need to be sacred and remembered for what they represent. Veterans Day is not just another day off or a reason for a sale; it is a day for all of us to pause and reflect, and at some point, do something kind for a veteran or a veterans' organization.
I would imagine most people have a friend or family member who is a veteran. Please take the time to call or visit them and thank them for their service. This country—and all of us in it—owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.
It seems there has never been a time in recorded history when some madman and his followers weren't trying to dominate the world, exterminate a race, or coerce people (including children) into strapping bombs to themselves and killing innocent people. This happens every day somewhere on this planet. But we are fortunate that we don't live in these circumstances. From time to time, we may catch a glimpse of it on TV or the web, but for the most part, it's out of our daily thoughts because it's happening elsewhere.
Why is this? Because we have others doing the thinking and the fighting for us, 24/7. We live in the United States of America, and we are protected by the most powerful force on Earth: the United States Armed Forces. These brave men and women are always diligently attending to their duties—whether here at home or overseas—to ensure we sleep safely at night, and that our children can grow up in a free country.
What is this worth?
Having the best technology means nothing without the men and women willing to risk their lives and don their uniforms, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for us.
What is that worth?
Wikipedia lists the total number of Americans killed and wounded since our country was founded as 2.5 million. This is the true cost—not the countless billions spent on equipment.
2.5 million lives sacrificed so that we can vote freely, go to school, take a hike, watch a game, have a cookout, or do whatever the heck we want to do on Veterans Day.
In memory of those veterans who have gone before us, and in gratitude to all the veterans still with us—both retired and those serving today—I THANK YOU!
I would like to honor the following family members, employees, and friends for their service. If anyone would like to add a veteran please let me know:
My father, Raymond Saidel 1st Armored Division, 1st Armored Regiment, G Company, WWII, 5 Bronze Battle Stars, North African Campaign
My father in law, Emile Gaudette, 101st Yankee Division, WWII, Platoon Leader, Purple Heart at the Battle of Moncourt Woods
My brother, Marc Saidel, United States Army 1972-1976
My brother in law, Robert Gaudette, United States Marine Corps, Vietnam War, 3 Tours
My brother in law, William Gaudette, United States Air Force
My grandfather, Urbain Arel, United States Army, WWII
My uncle, Maxwell Meyers, United States Army WWII
My uncle, Jules Arel, United States Air Force
My uncle, Robert Allard, United States Navy Seebeas
My cousins:
Eric Allard, United States Navy
Michelle Allard, United States Air Force
Gerry Arel, United States Air Force
Tim Arel, United States Army
Scott Arel, United States Navy
My daughter, Victoria Saidel, United States Air Force
Employees and their families (I apologize for any omissions, I know there have been many more Veterans that have worked for Merrimack Street Volvo over the years):
Tom Lodge, United States Army
Marce Rheaume, United States Army
Samuel Coldwell, United States Army
Joseph M, McGlynn, United States Navy, WWII
John A. Walsh, United States Air Force, Korea
Marcel Lamarshe, United States Navy, WWII
Robert Mckay, United States Navy
My buddy Edward Smith, United States Air Force
The original Armistice Day was observed at Buckingham Palace, commencing with King George V holding a “Banquet in Honor of the President of the French Republic” during the evening hours of 10 Nov 1919. The first official Armistice Day was subsequently held on the grounds of Buckingham Palace the following morning. During the Second World War, many countries changed the name of the holiday. Member states of the Commonwealth of Nations adopted Remembrance Day, while the US chose Veterans day.
As we observe Veterans Day, let us pause to remember that the freedoms we often take for granted come at a tremendous cost. This day is not just about honoring the past; it’s about acknowledging the sacrifices that continue to shape our country. Let’s take the time to thank a veteran, reflect on their service, and honor their commitment to our nation’s ideals. To all who have served, we owe you a debt that can never be repaid. Thank you.
