Two hundred plus men dressed in a white uniform, pristine in color and pure in heart, in a stance of divine integrity and unmanufactured loyalty.

The ship is arriving into Pearl Harbor.

Jason Skerbinc and his fellow sailors are commanded to salute their fallen soldiers as the ship arrives to harbor. His parents Joe and Sheryl Skerbinc stand behind. Breathtaking is one word to describe the dramatic scene; but it’s customary for the sailors to pay homage to those who had fallen on that dreadful day.

The young men and women, who fight for our freedoms, sacrifice for the sake of our beliefs and stay loyal during the most trying times will be honored today as the nation celebrates Veteran’s Day.

Jason Skerbinc is a Navy sailor and was recently released after completing four years of service. However what is unique about this young man’s service to his country is he could have ended his military career seven months ago. He had the opportunity to be airlifted home and possibly escape the crisis in Iraq. But Jason decided to remain in the service until his ship returned. Clearly, Jason went beyond the call of duty, displaying signs of heroism and loyalty.

Jason is a Demopolis native and enjoyed working as an aviation technician aboard the NIMTZ. He spent five months in the Persian Gulf and launched aircraft from the NIMTZ. He will receive an ordinance ribbon for his participation during wartime.

Joe and Sheryl Skerbinc had an opportunity to greet their son in Honolulu, Hawaii recently. They participated in a ‘tiger’ cruise, which took the couple to a base in San Diego.

They experience life like a sailor. They slept in the same sleeping quarters, stood in line and ate the same foods.

The Skerbincs had an opportunity to tour the ship and enjoyed a number of air shows. They were both elated and surprised about the access they had on the ship. But ultimately, to know that their son was coming home was more exciting.

He is glad to come home to his family and friends and is even excited about driving his truck, however he has no regrets and will miss his friends and appreciates all the military has taught him.

Although there is no familial military legacy; his older brother, Eric, encouraged him. Eric served in the Army and has seen left. He will use the skills he developed while serving our country to continue to be an asset to our society.

To commemorate the Veteran’s Day holiday. Linden will unleash a monument to commemorate the lives of those who have served our country. The monument is erected at Marengo County City Hall. In Livingston, many businesses will have open houses. Yesterday, Marion County celebrated early with a parade down their Main Street.