Happy Wednesday, Rambler readers, and to every veteran reading this morning: thank you for your service. On a day set aside to honor service, I want to repeat something that can never be said enough: thank you for your support and interest as we continue to pursue important stories.

First, in honor of Veterans Day, we went back to Oct. 19, 1934. That afternoon, Franklin D. Roosevelt stood before 40,000 people on the grounds of a brand-new hospital outside Salem and gave the crowd a charge: "I commend them to your care." Ninety-two years later, we wanted to know who is keeping that promise. The answer includes a retired dental hygienist who learned how to keep her aging father at home, 86 social workers who make up one of the least visible teams on campus, and a new executive director who came up through their ranks. The story also points readers to a free resource fair on Tuesday, Nov. 17, where veterans and caregivers can meet staff from about 40 programs in one room.

Next, Election Day is behind us, but the election isn't official yet. In "Five Votes, One Courtroom and a Clock Running Out," Roanoke's registrar walks us through the work that happens after the polls close. His office reviewed 442 provisional ballots one by one and counted 159 absentee ballots that arrived after Election Day. Along the way, the race for fourth place on City Council between David Bowers and Stephanie Moon narrowed to just five votes. Meanwhile, a courtroom in Tazewell County could decide whether a new constitutional amendment takes effect on schedule. It's a reminder that people count every vote, and they do it against a deadline.

And finally, Hart Fowler spoke by phone with Vivian Sanchez-Jones, the only incumbent on the ballot and one of three Democrats who swept the council seats on Nov. 3. She spoke candidly about: a campaign she called more toxic than her last, why she stood by Peter Volosin, a quiet meeting she called with foreign consuls as ICE activity increased, and more. Her closing words gave the story its title, and I think they describe this city well: "All that noise is because people care."

Be sure to check out this week's Happenings calendar, which leads with Veterans Day, the Taubman's 75th birthday and Monday's City Council meeting. Also see our new Alerts Page, from meetings to concerts, that we may not include in our weekly Happenings. Also, don't forget to listen along at 540radio.com, roanokesradio.com.

Don't forget to read to the bottom for our recurring historical photo and ICYMI round-up of stories. Questions or comments? As always, just reply to this email, and we'll look forward to hearing from you.

This week's newsletter is sponsored by Foti Flynn Lowen & Co.:

"I Commend Them to Your Care": 92 Years After a President's Promise, the Salem VA Is Still Keeping It

A message from Wisler Plumbing:

Five Votes, One Courtroom and a Clock Running Out: How Roanoke's Election Becomes Official

A message from Oakey's:

All That Noise Is Because People Care

This week's newsletter is sponsored by Crandall & Katt:

Happenings: The Only Roanoke Events Calendar You’ll Ever Need. Week of 11/10 to 11/17

A message from Virginia Transformer:

Historical Photo:

Taken on October 23, 1943, this Class J-1 Engine No. 605 rolls out of the Norfolk & Western Shops. War rationing meant no streamlined cowling or roller bearings on the rods.

We are grateful to Roanoke Public Libraries and the Virginia Room for the image.

And In Case You Missed It:

Hey, you! Yes, you. Each issue we highlight some of our most read stories in recent months. Here are a few:

🪑🪑🪑🪑🪑Eleven Candidates. Five Seats.

🏢Same Calories, Different Response: Roanoke Researchers Test Ultraprocessed Foods, and Find a Surprise

📊 Where the Data Centers Could Go

Thank you,

The Roanoke Rambler