LEST WE FORGET: Armistice Day | Remembrance Day | Veterans Day

November 11 means slightly different things in different parts of the world, but in one way it means the same to everyone that recognizes this day: respect, honor, and reverent silence.

The author’s father, Waldon C. Rancie, circa 1940, in his Army Engineers Corps uniform, before service in Palestine, Egypt, and Darwin. He served from 1939-1945. The engineers were said to be first troops in and last out to any battle scenario, doing the “dirty jobs” like digging or blowing up trenches and building or destroying roads and bridges. This …