Remembering our veterans

On Saturday, we will reorganize and pay tribute to generations of individuals who are largely responsible for the continuation of this great republic that is the envy of other nations and people around the world. The individuals we will remember are the soldiers, sailors and airmen who have worn of our military services from the beginning of our nation, through all its wars and conflicts.

Many of those individuals made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives on the battlefield, in the air and on the oceans of the world. Others suffered injuries and wounds that have remained with them for life.

Presently in America, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 36 percent of America's families count a veteran among them. In all, 45 million Americans have served in our nation's wars, and 28 million are still living today.

Sixteen and a half million Americans took part in World War II alone, and 407,000 gave their lives in that monumental conflict.

But our veterans are dying at an alarming rate as age catches up with what Tom Brokaw called the "Greatest Generation." They are dying at a rate of 1,500 a day nationwide. Last year 550,000 veterans died. That number is expected to climb to 620,000 by 2008.

And, quite disturbingly, according to the Department of Veterans' Affairs, some 250,000 of those veterans now live on the streets - homeless and hopeless, suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

But time has moved us forward and further away from those difficult times and it gets easier to forget. Also, the younger generation has been exposed to so many war games, movies and television shows, it's easy to understand why some may have difficulty recognizing the reality of war.

So little of our history is now included in our school curriculum that I think we need to make sure that the history of our nation's conflicts is taught at all levels. Most importantly, it should include the reason and rationale as to why the president and leaders of our nation felt it necessary to become involved in these conflicts.

Also, it is important that we include information about Armed Forces day and Veterans Day programs and activities. Many Americans today don't know that Veterans Day is observed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the very time and date that World War One came to an end. Originally known as Armistice Day, after the end of World War II the name was changed to Veterans Day and honor was extended to all who served in America's wars.

Although we are now enjoying what we term "times of peace" we only need to take note of recent events in the Middle East to bring us back to the reality that this nation cannot ignore.

We should not and cannot disassociate ourselves from other nations and their problems and conflicts. The economy - imports and exports - have a tremendous impact on our everyday lives so that military preparedness is not only a matter of concern, but also of necessity.

Let us remember our veterans on this Veterans Day and every other day of the year - by whatever means you choose. Let them know we appreciate their service to our great state and nation. Let us always remember the words of President John F. Kennedy: "A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honors, by the men it remembers."
- District 104 State Rep. Tom King Petal
(From the Wednesday, November 8, 2000 issue of Starkville Daily News)