I saw some recent posts on the internet saying veteran support was going out of style and honoring veterans was a dying trend, especially for the younger generations—never thought of myself as a “trend,” but they might be onto something. We are dying. The World War II vets are mostly gone, and the Korean and Vietnam War vets aren’t far behind.
Yes, it would be easy to get angry, but it would be a waste of time and energy. After all, the internet is much like a septic tank where a lot of light-weight turds float to the top and spew their progressive observations before floating away. Sorry, my writer creativity got the better of me on that one. No vitriol here, just a little sadness.
Anyway, I believe this all started long ago when the word “hero” began to be marginalized by using it to describe dudes who could hit baseballs or dunk basketballs—harmless enough. But now, every Sunday the eulogies of those passing away roll by on the television screen listing guitar players, Hollywood actors, broadcast industry talking heads, and just about anyone other than veterans who may not have won Grammys, Emmys, or Oscars, but things that came after a much higher degree of self-sacrifice—little purple ribbons and medals that aren’t displayed in a trophy cabinet or on the fireplace mantel.
I say this so I can say the ones who deserve recognition most are those who never came home—those who died for their country or have been eternally listed as Missing in Action. Monday is the day set aside for that purpose. Many people will attend events where headstones will be marked with flags and taps will be played. Gold Star families will visit the graves of their lost members and leave flowers. And most Americans will spend time with family and friends, attend cookouts, and enjoy a holiday that most of us know was bought with the lives of real heroes.
Enjoy your holiday. It’s meant to be enjoyed, but when you say that prayer over the food, remember those who gave their all.
If you happen to live in the metropolitan area of Memphis, Tennessee, The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be visiting the community of Olive Branch, Mississippi just south of there from Friday, June 5th through Sunday, June 7th. It will be displayed at the soccer complex on Church Road. Here’s a schedule of events.
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