Most of the stories one hears on Veterans Day revolve around those who were responsible for the front-line fighting on the ground, in the air and on the sea.

They deserve all the thanks we can give them.

Left out of the history books is that for every one frontline soldier, airman and sailor in the U.S. military from World War II to the present day, there are an average of seven support and logistics troops tasked keeping them supplied.

Armies that can get there the fastest with the most usually win.

The Romans’ roads were designed with that very purpose in mind.

The Interstate system we enjoy and take for granted was born of a similar need.

The story goes that before Ike Eisenhower was president, and before he had command of the allied invasions of Africa and Europe, he was appalled at how long it took to move war goods and materiel across the United States because of inadequate direct routes between industries, storage facilities and the ports.

Three years after he became president in 1953, and based on the Autobahn model he found in Germany, Eisenhower signed the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act and started the ball rolling on what has perhaps become the most vital piece transportation infrastructure in the world.

I’ve heard people say that war brings out the worst in people, but I’ve also found that it brings out the best in those who support the troops doing the fighting, and once the fighting stops, society often reaps the benefits.

Don’t miss a chance to say thank you to a veteran, especially on Wednesday.

Just remember that war heroics only make up part of their legacy. Our nation’s transportation system, and many other conveniences we enjoy are part of that legacy as well.

Larry Krantz of Bullard,

Public Information Officer, Tyler District

Texas Department of

Transportation