On Veterans Days like this, I usually sit and think about the sacrifices Americans have made for this country (and others). It always makes me think of World War II for some reason. This particular war produced what historians call The Greatest Generation. America, in sheer numbers, was never as unified as we were during this war. 420,000 soldiers died in this war. Thats a city with the population of Miami, Florida, over 4 Rose Bowls full of people, or roughly a land size of about 1/4 mile X a 1/4 mile of people. Imagine, if you can, that many people just gone & vanished forever. I always try to find the little stories in these combat theaters. Stories that show the courage and dynamics of our country. And one these stories is of the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots). 400 WASP died in WWII. President Carter gave these civilian women, who were never paid nor given any military benefits, full military status in 1977 with the G.I. Improvement Act. In 1984, these women pilots were finally given the American Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal for their service. And then finally, on July 1, 2009, President Obama and the United States Congress awarded the WASP the Congressional Gold Medal. Im not a big fan of war, but I do understand that at times it is necessary to fight off those who will oppress us or others. Ive always felt that anytime we go to war there should be a draft...and that there should be no excuses for avoiding that draft, like either having connections or coming from a politically connected family. That way each and every household gets to feel the pain of war. Whether its those who are privileged, or those who come from modest origins if our country goes to war...we should all be ready and united for the cause. Today, a small number of American G.Is have come back from a recent theater in the Middle East. And like many other returning war Vets from theaters of the past 60 years, they are not being treated the way they should be. This is a national disgrace for those especially maimed in war and cannot live a normal life anymore. This is something that needs to change immediately. And if it means raising taxes on those who can afford it (millionaires and billionaires), then we need to do this. Working families are already taxed enough, and lower class individuals have the least to gain from defending our shipping lanes, trade and commerce. Its time to show our returning vets of the past and future that we really respect the service theyve given our country by giving them a hand up when they return. Its the right thing to do....and its the American thing to do. https://youtube/watch?v=1sQXiGfbRIs
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 21:08:30 +0000
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