On Veterans Day we rouse ourselves to an unusual patriotic fervor, waving flags, watching the marchers, perhaps even laying a wreath at the grave of a veteran — known or unknown — to give our thanks. Then we go home and resume our daily chores without looking back.

What can we do to really honor those that have served for their country in war? I wondered last Tuesday. The answer was not long in coming — reinstate the draft, make service to our country obligatory for every citizen.

Sovereign Nation

From Gazette editions of November, 1983:

NOT QUITE

Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Copper and Gold

The beech trees that heavily populate the North Shore of the Vineyard are showing spectacular foliage this year; their coppery gold canopies refract the late afternoon light which fades all too quickly during the shortened days of late autumn.

Bridges to Here and There

Like so many of its projects that the Island has seen over the years, the Massachusetts Highway Department’s plan to rebuild the two bridges that span Beach Road between Edgartown and Oak Bluffs is full of hope and promise — and also surprise.

Budgets for Learning

The Cape Light Compact will be hosting a series of public information hearings to discuss a proposed 2009 energy efficiency plan on Monday, Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School Library. There will be a presentation about the plan followed by an informal question and answer session.

Seussian Entertainments

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is playing at the Wang Theatre, and the Edgartown Council on Aging is sponsoring a trip to see Wholhillation in Boston. Enjoy this Broadway spectacular, an Italian family-style lunch at Vinny T’s and shopping time at Copley Place. The trip is set for Dec. 4. The cost is $105 per person for orchestra seating, center stage. Organizers say it is guaranteed to be a great time with lots of surprises, so don’t wait because tickets will sell out. For details, call 508-420-5288

JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

JUNE D. MANNING

508-645-2574

(lthslnks@gis.net)

Martha’s Vineyard Neighborhood Convention convened at the Tribal Building on Veterans Day. Tobias Vanderhoop presented an overview of the Wampanoag history and culture, followed by a question and answer period. Rev. Robert Hensley, president of the convention, offered a prayer before lunch for the 63 attendees.