I find it very difficult to write about Veterans Day.
Born in 1939, I have memories of World War I veterans, particularly the gentleman who sold our family insurance. He had lost a leg in the First War. He walked on crutches, as prosthetics had not yet been developed.
I recall the tears when mothers sent their boys to War, and the joy when they came can back. But, the sobering, especially to a four-year-old, was the Gold Stars on homes. Even at four, we knew what that meant.
Then came the Korean War; I was old enough to follow that in detail, but it was different. Most didn’t seem too involved or concerned unless they had a son or daughter in the service.
Then came the Cold War. Most all young men were subject to the draft. But for most, it was something to avoid, if possible. Slowly, in the early 60s, the deployment of US troops into harm’s way began to return. First was the Cuban Missile Crises; next came the suppression of a Cuban instigated revolution in the Dominican Republic and Vietnam soon after. Everyone knows about that gut-wrenching, thankless War, which maimed, wounded, and killed tens of thousands of American servicemen and women.
Vietnam ended the draft, and the era of a volunteer military service began. This removed the threat of the draft and made military service only for a few who chose to step up and take the challenge and risk or some who had no better option in life. Military service became something “other people did.” And in my, opinion we, as a Nation, are morally poorer as a result.
Early in this century came the two Gulf Wars, followed quickly by the Iraqi involvement. The Nation was not emotionally involved with these unless they had a son or a daughter serving and in harm's way.
Now you are wondering why I wrote the above. It is because it is easy to thank a veteran for their service. It makes people feel better. But unless they have served, been deployed for months, been separated from family, seen death in the arms of a comrade, seen families break up, gone through the jarring and dislocating shock of leaving the service, they really don’t understand.
So, when you talk with a veteran tomorrow, don’t say those hollow words, “Thank you for your service.” Shake their hand, look them in the eye and tell them that you are grateful for the sacrifices they and their family have made for our County. And for the other 364 days of the year, remember what they have done and are still doing for our County.
I will close by passing on a verbal SALUTE to all our Town veterans.
Alan
