Veterans deserve this nation’s continued commitment, loyalty and support

To the editor:
    All across America and Canada today, a grateful nation will pause to honor the millions of men and women who have so proudly wore the uniforms of freedom and democracy. In communities of all sizes, there will be patriotic parades, stirring speeches and sober remembrances for those who participated in what our leaders have called the “The Hard Work of Freedom”. It’s entirely fitting on this day that we salute America’s and Canada’s citizens – soldiers who have so bravely answered our nation’s call of arms.
    That we salute a generation of Minutemen from the Revolutions,
    That we salute a generation of World War I Doughboys,
    And we salute a generation of World War II “G.I. Joes”.
    Today, we also salute a generation of soldiers who fought valiantly along the 38th Parallel of Korea.
    And a generation of boys and girls that became men and women in the rice paddies and the jungles of Vietnam.
    We also salute the generation of veterans, and men and women of Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm, and Southeast Asia, and Afghanistan.
    All wounded Persian Gulf veterans and Iraq veterans serve as a reminder of how truly great the price of freedom can be, and how truly wonderful are the Americans and Canadians who step forward to pay the price.
    But even as veterans accept accolades for their past deeds, those same veterans must wonder if our government will remember their sacrifices once the last bomb has fallen and the final gunshot has been heard. Some people today wonder if our government truly wants to address the present needs of our aging heroes? Will our government meet its promise to provide medical attention to our returning veterans, for the rest of their lives?
    As a Vietnam veteran, I believe that a veteran deserves more than a medal, a patronizing pat on the back, empty promises and deep cut in the programs and services.
    Make no mistakes about it, our nation’s sons and daughters who have fought so courageously – from place to place – don’t want government handouts. All they’ve ever asked is that our government honors its commitment. Its commitment to take care of those whose minds and bodies have been shattered by bombs and bullets.
    As we salute our veterans on the 11th day of the 11th month, let’s remember with pride their commitment to defend the freedom each of us enjoy on this special day.
    President Calvin Coolidge once noted that no nation ever had an army large enough to guarantee it against attack in the time of peace or ensure its victory in time of war.
    The nation’s guarantor of victory has been the men and women who’ve put on this nation’s uniform in the time of peace and war. This nation’s best and most effective resource – its veterans – deserve this nation’s continued commitment, loyalty and support.
Almon Hemore
Houlton