Steamboat Pilot & Today

Routt County residents will have the opportunity to recognize and remember members of the U.S. military Saturday on Armed Forces Day.

Routt County Veterans Aff--airs officer Michael Condie said Thursday he hopes residents will take the time on Saturday to thank a veteran and remember the men and women who are serving their country.

"We do need to stand behind our citizens and support them," he said. "We do have people from this area stationed overseas doing what they're supposed to be doing."

There are three men from Steamboat serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, Condie said.

Wyoming National Guard Lt. Col. Frank Gerken is in Afghan--istan. U.S. Marine Corp. Sgt. Ty Upson and civilian contractor John Ressonico are in Iraq.

Dwight Murphy, who recently completed a year of service as a civilian contractor in Iraq, is going back to Iraq within the next few weeks, Condie said.

A former Marine himself, Condie said he hopes Armed Forces Day will help people thank the 1,800 veterans living in Routt County who have served their country over the years.

"It is important for folks to understand there is a reason we have a day like this. It's important for us to thank those who have served our country and to remember those who served our country and didn't come home," he said.

Armed Forces Day began in 1949 when then-Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson ann--ounced the creation of the day designed to salute the branches of the U.S. military. Before Armed Forces Day, each branch had its own day of celebration.

Although there will be no formal event or activity to celebrate Armed Forces Day in Steamboat, Condie said there are a few local businesses that recognize the day, such as Johnny B. Goods, which provides free meals to veterans.

"They're pretty patriotic. The effort they make is very clear," Condie said.

Peggi Murphy said she always felt fortunate to have community support when her husband, Dwight, was overseas and that she recognizes what it takes for those in the military to serve their country. "I'm very grateful for our military and what they do," she said. "As a wife of someone who has been there, I admire and respect them."

Celebrating Armed Forces Day is as simple as saying "thank you," Condie said.

"I know that whenever I run into a World War II vet, I always thank them," Condie said. "It's worth the effort."