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It
is right and praiseworthy that we have a special day to honor veterans
of our nation’s armed forces. While Memorial Day is a tribute to
all those who have died in action, Veterans Day honors all those
who have served in the military – living and dead.
The younger
group of today’s citizens may not realize just how important it
is that our soldiers be honored for their service to this country.
Unless they have been individually touched by our ongoing war against
terror, many people cannot seem to comprehend that this country
is in a battle for survival against a cold, ruthless enemy who has
absolutely no regard for human life.
Let there be
no doubt that this war is going to go on for a very long time and
the enemy will continue to come after us regardless of which political
party is in control of the government.
This enemy
hates us because of our religious beliefs and way of life. We did
not start this war but we sure better finish it for the sake of
the generations of Americans to come.
It is important to remember that the men and women wearing the uniform
are the ones who have volunteered to fight this brutal enemy while
protecting the folks here on the home front. And in my opinion when
a slimy politician or a so-called movie star decides to degrade
our troops and call them “uneducated,” we should respond with our
vote and by choosing where we spend our money for entertainment.
During World War
II a group of Americans who have come to be known as “the greatest
generation” saved this country and the entire world from the likes
of Hitler and Japan. It’s hard to imagine what our living conditions
would be like today had this courageous group not answered the call.
When the Japanese
attacked Pearl Harbor, they awoke the sleeping giant and their
fate was sealed.
In the early
part of the 1950s young soldiers froze in the brutal cold of Korea
fighting against communist aggression. War was never officially
declared and the conflict was called a police action. Nearly 1.8
million Americans served in Korea, of that number 54,200 were killed,
103,300 were wounded, and 8,200 missing in action.
Korea has since been called the “forgotten war” and those who fought
there have never received the recognition due them.
From about 1960 through 1973 the United States was embroiled in
the Vietnam War. Many people in this country opposed the conflict
and participated in demonstrations which included burning the flag.
Rather than be drafted a number of young Americans fled to Canada
to await the war’s end. Returning soldiers from Vietnam were spit
upon and called “baby killers.” Military personnel would often remove
their uniforms to avoid confrontations with civilians.
But one thing should never be forgotten – when their country called
the soldiers responded and did their duty. According to one source
58,239 were killed in action, 128,000 were wounded, and 14,000 were
listed as missing in action.
It has been said that American soldiers in Vietnam never lost a
face-to-face battle with the enemy and if the politicians had not
placed restrictions on them; there is no doubt in my mind that they
would have won the war as well.
Today we have Americans fighting and dying in the Middle East and
other places around the world. They have volunteered to serve their
country and protect those of us here at home. Our troops are the
finest the world has ever seen and they are doing a remarkable job.
People who think it’s somewhat politically correct to criticize
our troops and call them dumb for serving their country had better
wake up. Because without the military there wouldn’t be a country
– and there wouldn’t be a Hollywood, movie stars, and arrogant politicians
– none of them being worthy enough to polish the boots of a soldier.
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