Happy Veterans Day! So easy to say.
In the 13 years since 9/11, it’s been fashionable to salute the military, give to a non-profit, and even display the flag on a national holiday.
Today we celebrate - to mark the service of those who wore the uniform to protect us, some who gave all. Yet look at the turnout.
People say time changes everything. Does it?
You WW2 vets were the celebrations different then?
Korea and VN Vets – what, if any, celebrations do you remember?
Desert Storm reversed most ill feelings, and because of the valiant service of our Iraq / Afghani warriors, veterans are generally accepted again. But is that true? Are there doubts about military service? If yes, why?
I noticed on the TV news the other day that the last draftee veteran has retired from service. The draft was phased out in 1973 and since then, 40 plus years, the entire military is an all volunteer force, millions upon millions strong. We cannot say enough about their Honor, Courage and Commitment to us. But I think something is missing.
My gut tells me that this VOLAR force has become detached from the general public - what I mean is – who knows who is serving? Worse yet, who cares? Answer - their family and friends. What about others?
Thank you again for being here, so it’s now your responsibility to spread the gospel about why we celebrate Veterans Day.
I noted before about change. What did NOT change is the allegiance of the individual service member, let’s call him / her a soldier.
Our soldier is sworn to uphold traditional American values stated in the Declaration of Indep, the Constitution, the Gettysburg Address, to cite a few. Every soldier, from boot camp private to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has sworn to never forget that he is an American, prepared to give his life for us. This is what sets the veteran apart from the average civilian. Listen to the cost of keeping us free - total KIA / WIA
WW2 – 1,075,000
War of 1812 – 20,000
Korea – 129,000
Civil War – 645,000
RVN – 210,000
WWI – 320,000
WWWOT – 58,000 +
More than 2.5 million and counting
< Combat units have now left Afghanistan but we are definitely at war against terrorism, our military is deployed on combat related missions and we are even serving in Africa against EBOLA.
Remember VOLAR separates the service member, much like contact with EBOLA quarantines someone.
It’s up to us, to we here today, to ensure that ALL veterans receive their fullest measure of respect and devotion, that we shall never forget what they have done, so
This is not a request, it is an ORDER –
Tell everyone you meet you’re proud to be an American and thankful to the veteran who enabled you to be one.
MAY GOD BLESS THE USA
Peter J. Matthews, Captain,
U. S. Marine Corps (Ret'd)
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