Posted on 11/11/2010 11:34:52 AM PST by Graybeard58
Veterans Day began in 1919 as Armistice Day, the first anniversary of the cease-fire that ended the European conflagration then known as the Great War, "the war to end all wars." By 1954, when President Eisenhower signed a proclamation designating each Nov. 11 as Veterans Day, it was obvious to everyone that the optimistic notions about lasting peace were mere fantasy. By then, the Great War had been renamed World War I to acknowledge that grim reality.
The vast majority of veterans served in peacetime, stateside or in comparatively safe foreign settings, such as post-World War II Germany or Okinawa. But whether one flew a B-17 bomber over Europe in 1943 or banged on a typewriter in Washington, D.C., during peacetime, his service is worthy of honor. All of the men and women who wore the uniform of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guardknew there was an implicit risk of life and limb for their country.
The numbers that appear on the facing page tell much about the enduring strength of American patriotism. In 1776, the population of the newly declared United States was just 2.5 million; nearly 10 percent of the population — 217,000 — served in the armed forces during the Revolutionary War, bravely contesting British rule. An even larger percentage served during World War II, when more than 16 million Americans from a population of about 135 million put their lives on the line.
Today, veterans comprise 23.4 million souls in a national population of more than 300 million. Most were volunteers; no less deserving of honor are those who presented themselves for service after being drafted during wartime.
Why did they serve? There are as many answers to that question as there are veterans. Some signed up out of sheer anger after a seismic event like Pearl Harbor or 9/11. Others, unable to find purpose in young adulthood, joined in hopes of finding a career. Some were lured by the promises of recruiters of soft duty and training for lucrative civilian jobs. More than a few yearned for adventure on foreign shores, or were attracted to military discipline and order. But for most veterans, patriotism was the main motivator: They wanted to serve their country. The other benefits were incidental.
In past years, civilians stood shoulder to shoulder with their troops, bearing heavier tax burdens, enduring shortages and rationing of many common products, and doing hard work for low pay in defense industries. Today's war on Islamic terror is taking a smaller toll on the civilian sector, with just 3 percent of the gross domestic product going to military expenditures, compared with 42 percent at the height of World War II. But the toll this war is taking on service members is enormous, with nearly 47,000 wounded or killed. America's veterans, wounded and uninjured alike, return home to a nation that honors their service but often can't provide work for them because of the ailing economy. And the armed forces often haven't done nearly enough for those returning from the war zone with physical or psychological wounds.
That's why it's so important that those of us back home keep our eye on the ball and make sure all veterans — those returning home to an uncertain future from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those who served in past conflicts and now suffer the ravages of age and illness — receive the care they've more than earned.
Ping to a Republican-American Editorial.
If you want on or off this ping list, let me know.
I am a veteran and salute all others who have served.
The author left out one important element in his story and that is those who served in the Merchant Marines. I knew one (deceased now) and he had some hellacious experiences to tell.
During WW-II the Merchant Marine had a higher fatality rate than any branch of the service, including the Marines.
“....receive the care they’ve more than earned.”
“I am a veteran and salute all others who have served.”
Agree with that quote from the article 100%, and damn the political class, and those that have turned their back on the matter, because their own World that was so well protected by those Vets is all their focus.
A salute right back at you Graybeard58. I served as well.
BTTT
FINAL INSPECTION
The soldier stood and faced his God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?”
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
“No, Lord, I guess I ain’t.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.
I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.
I know I don’t deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.
If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
“Step forward now, you soldier,
You’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.”
Author unknown.
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