What a terrible prelude to this Veterans Day.

The Fort Hood massacre of unarmed soldiers on their home base in their homeland stirred memories of the horror of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Thirteen of our fellow Americans died in the senseless massacre. Twenty-nine others were wounded, some critically, with eight still in intensive care and seven others still hospitalized.

This Veterans Day we will remember those 12 soldiers who died at Fort Hood as we remember and give thanks for all the veterans of all the wars fought for freedom - our own and that of countless other people in countries around the world.

A year ago the war in Iraq was winding down and since then the security of the country generally has been turned over to the Iraqis. There still are suicide bombings by the terrorist killers seeking to sabotage the budding democracy, seize power and turn Iraq into a base for anti-democracy forces, al Qaida, et al.

A year ago more troops were needed in Afghanistan where the war on terrorists started after the 2001 attacks. More troops are still needed in the judgment of the commanding officer in the field.

President Obama has yet to announce a decision on the request by Gen. Stanley McChrystal for 40,000 additional troops to create the kind of surge that worked well in Iraq - although CBS News quotes informed sources as saying Obama has decided to send most, if not all, the troops requested by the general.

It was most appropriate that the president went to Fort Hood yesterday and paid tribute to the victims of the massacre, while declaring that the killer will "be met with justice."

In his Veterans Day proclamation, Obama paid the honor our veterans deserve.

"We have a sacred trust with those who wear the uniform of the United States of America," the president said. "American veterans deserve our deepest appreciation and respect.

"Our Nation's servicemen and women are our best and brightest, enlisting in times of peace and war, serving with honor under the most difficult circumstances and making sacrifices that many of us cannot begin to imagine.

"Today, we reflect upon the invaluable contributions of our country's veterans and reaffirm our commitment to provide them and their families with the essential support they were promised and have earned."

Closer to home, Chairman Sam Olens of the Cobb commission sent a particularly fitting statement, pointing out that Veterans Day replaced the original holiday marking the armistice ending World War I at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

"Let's all take the time to thank a member of our military and honor those who have served and protected freedom here and abroad," Olens said.

"And at 11:00 a.m. (today) take a moment out of your day to pray for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan right now."

Amen.

dmckee9613@aol.com