THE LAST WORD:

It was so inspiring to see how the community rallied to salute our armed forces on Veterans Day on Tuesday.

Over at the American Legion hall on the Balboa Peninsula they thanked our veterans who have left us by solemnly reading off their names, ringing a bell and then tossing red flower petals into the bay.

At St. John the Baptist Catholic School about 1,000 gathered to hear the kids sing patriotic songs and hear the wise words of Marine Major William Mimiaga who pointed out, “Tying a yellow ribbon on a tree is a beautiful thing, but ribbons fade. The best thing you can do is tell a veteran, ‘Thank you for your service.’ Or go over to [a Veterans Affairs hospital] and just listen. Let them tell you their stories.”

Absolutely. But we’ll add you could also send a care package to our enlisted men and women serving overseas. You can drop off your donations at the American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291 through Nov. 23. Check the approved list of donations at al291.com/sites/auxiliary and click on “Items Needed for Troops.”

Or you can call (949) 673-5070. Newport Beach is also helping out Operation Christmas, a drive to help the troops and their families.

That effort needs new and unwrapped toys, DVDs, gift cards or just plain cash through Dec. 19. Call (949) 644-3005 or visit yellowribbonamerica.com for more details.