Lest We Forget: Veterans’ Day 2023

Nineteen years ago, on Saturday November 11, eight or nine veterans working on a Green Bay Yacht Club project decided to have an impromptu flag raising and observance. The day mushroomed to what it is today feting hundreds of veterans from as far away as the U.P. Nineteen years ago there were those who served in World War ll. In today’s throng there was one. There were Korean vets, but not many. Most were Vietnam and the post-Nam men and women. The older folks didn’t escape their country’s call; they had little choice when they were drafted. Those serving in the last 50 years, when the draft ended, were volunteers and served because they did have a choice.

As the master of ceremonies eloquently pointed out, joining the military is giving the country a blank check for one’s life. It means acceptance of any duty at any location while knowing the blank check might be paid with death. Veterans date to the beginning of this country, and the millions of vets deserve far more than a trite “Thank you for your service” on this day while they are forgotten every other day. The Greatest Generation is passing away before us while those who served in the Vietnam era are still getting kicked in the teeth. Many who never served, and laughed at those who did, think it is just a job. But they really don’t think. How many were maimed for life? How many have Agent Orange blood borne diseases and other cancers? How many have lost arms, legs and eyes, or the ability to have children? How many have PTSD and deal with mental illness, or have such emotional issues that close relationships are all but impossible. Then there is homelessness. All is paid by that blank check.

While others begin careers, buy homes, and take cruises, the young people who were drafted and now volunteering put their lives on hold. Whether the men and women had/have stateside duties or were on foreign soil, lives were on hold. Speaker Lt. Col. Pruitt talked about a Marine standing on a wall when he was asked why he was standing there. The Marine replied that he was there so we could sleep without fear as evil wouldn’t strike while he was watching. Pruitt mentioned George Washington serving for 8 ½ years and in that time only spending 3 or so days at his home, Mt. Vernon. In the 200 years plus between George Washington and the Marine, much has changed, but service men and women have always been there keeping us safe.

Although President Calvin Coolidge was a man of few words, he had much to say on November 11, 1928, in a speech marking the 10^th anniversary of the Armistice. The address paid tribute to those who served and sacrificed in a time of war while he also discussed the cost of war to a people and a country.

Coolidge said, “Our first thought, then, is to acknowledge the obligation which the nation owes to those who served in our forces afloat and ashore………the place of honor will always be accorded to the men and the women who wore the uniform of our country – the living and the dead.”