Editorial of November 5, 2026

Veterans Day: More than a Holiday

Every year on Veterans Day, Americans pause to thank the men and women who wore the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. We gather at memorials, attend ceremonies and offer words of appreciation. But Veterans Day should be more than a date on the calendar. It should be a reminder of the sacrifices made by generations of Americans who answered a call greater than themselves.

America was shaped by veterans. They come from every background, every profession, every political belief and every corner of our country. Farmers, teachers, factory workers, students, business owners and first responders have all stepped forward when their nation needed them. They left behind families, careers and certainty to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Here in Otsego County, we do a good job remembering our veterans. Hometown Hero banners line our streets. Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies bring communities together. Organizations throughout the county work to preserve military history and ensure veterans are never forgotten. But honoring veterans should not stop with remembrance.

If Veterans Day teaches us anything, it is that our responsibility to veterans does not end when a war ends. Supporting veterans means ensuring they have access to the resources, healthcare, benefits and assistance they earned through their service. It also means offering our time.

The Otsego County Veterans Service Agency helps veterans and their families navigate disability claims, pensions, education benefits, burial benefits and other state and federal programs at no cost. The agency’s mission is to serve veterans and their family members throughout the county.

The agency can also connect veterans with counseling and support services through the Albany Vet Center, Binghamton Vet Center, the Albany VA Medical Center and other programs designed specifically for veterans. Veterans in crisis have access to the Veterans Crisis Line, available 24 hours a day by calling 988 and pressing 1.

There are myriad other ways to show appreciation. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, for instance, is offering free admission to all veterans throughout November and plans special Veterans Day programming, including screenings, tours, and exhibits highlighting the military service of Hall of Famers. The museum notes that 70 Hall of Famers interrupted their baseball careers to serve their country during wartime.

But perhaps the greatest way to honor veterans is through service of our own. There are many meaningful ways to support veterans throughout the year. Residents can volunteer with local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts, participate in community events that honor veterans, assist with memorial and cemetery projects, or support organizations that provide services to veterans and their families.

Community members can also help by spreading awareness of available resources, connecting veterans with programs they may qualify for, and simply taking the time to engage with and learn from those who served. Veterans Day is also an opportunity to celebrate the positive role veterans continue to play in our communities, not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year.

Veterans Day isn’t only about looking backward. It is also about looking forward and asking how we can continue serving those who once served us.