One said the first thing he wanted to do was to spend time alone with his wife and kids. Another mentioned a desire to just sit on the carpeted living room floor, then enjoy his mom’s home cooking.

Yet, another voiced that his first wish was to jaunt over to the local bar for a beer with friends. The previous comments were among many in response to a question posed to local men by a student leader at a Veterans Day assembly at a local high school several years ago.

Young eyes were fixed upon the honored group, with many of the kids hearing from parents, grandparents, uncles, brothers and neighbors. Respectful attention ruled.

The school annually invites hometown veterans in for a meal and program not only to recognize those who have served our country, but also to educate youth about the importance of the military as part of our country’s heritage.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day, Nov, 11, 1919, a year to the day after the end of the “Great War”, World War I. The signing of the armistice on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month marked the official ending of hostilities between Germany and the Allied nations. Named a federal holiday in 1938, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

Many communities will mark Veterans Day Friday with special programs, parades or church services in honor of those who have served or are presently serving this nation. Since many people have to work on that day, some recognition events are deferred to the weekend to allow greater participation by all. Regardless of your situation, please take time for a moment of silence at 11 a.m. on Friday in appreciation for the sacrifice made by all veterans. If you see a vet, say thanks.

Farmers already know what too many motorists may soon find out. There are too many deer! With 23,000 collisions between deer and motor vehicles in Ohio last year, the cost was estimated to be nearly $72 million. My insurance agent once said 10 percent of my car policy cost could be credited to deer damage.

Since highway encounters with deer are more frequent this time of year, we annually hear of the challenge created by high deer populations and how hard our natural resources folks work to balance the whitetail herd numbers to meet the need of hunters, while helping minimize unpleasant hits on the highway.

How should the population be reduced? Numerous wildlife experts state that hunting is the best management strategy to decrease deer populations. Agreed. Effectiveness of bureaucratic strategies should be in question.

A farmer recently noted that if a free doe permit was issued to each hunter, and was required to be filled before an antlered deer permit could be acquired, the deer population could be brought under control in one hunting season. Of course, he quickly corrected himself saying that would negate those all important deer population studies and reduce the bureaucracy’s income. 

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), October through November is prime time for deer-vehicle accidents. Motorists should be on the lookout for deer on the road and in nearby fields. If you see one, others are likely nearby. With an estimated 750,000 deer roaming the state (Ohio Department of Wildlife numbers), keep your eyes peeled, especially at dusk and dawn.