Maurice White: Thank you, veterans

Veterans Day, in my mind, is the most important day of the year. Even before “we” had a country, our military personnel and their families were making great efforts to secure our freedoms and safety. Without veterans, we would not have a country. For that we owe a debt of gratitude beyond any other.

Of course “we” know the genesis of Veterans Day. The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, is the moment marking the end of the “war to end all wars.” So what does it mean today?

On Nov. 11, we will have parades, congratulate ourselves, and have moments of great pontification. But is that enough? Shouldn’t we do more?

Our veterans and their families did not give just a moment in time. They gave a part of their lives that will never again be theirs. On Nov. 11, I will give thanks to the veterans and their families. Rain or shine, I will attend the parades, celebrations, and the speeches. For me, though, there is more. I will make my annual pilgrimage to the Veterans Guest House in Reno. This is my time to personally say thank you and give my support to the veterans and their families as well as the staff and volunteers that provide the services at the Veterans Guest House.

The Veterans Guest House is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary accommodations to veterans and their families while receiving treatment at local medical facilities. The Guest House is wholly operated on private donations, using no tax dollars. The Veterans Guest House is more than a house, it is appointed with all the comfort and love appropriate for the needs of our veterans and their families. Conveniently located across from the veterans hospital, it began operations in 1994.

The Guest House has been through several remodels and expansions and currently provides more than 5,200 guest nights with overflow rooms being provided by local casinos. This is not just a place to stay overnight, it is a resource for our people who have made the great efforts to secure our freedoms and safety.

On Nov. 11, will you visit the Veterans Guest House? I will. Will you make a contribution to the Veterans Guest House? I will. Come join the good folks at the Guest House, see what they are doing and what you too can do to help. The Veterans Guest House is at 880 Locust St., Reno, and at www.veteransguesthouse.org.

Maurice White, an Airport Authority member and retired mechanic, is running for Carson City supervisor in 2016 from Ward 2.