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CASPER UPDATE: MAY 31, 2010
Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration day, was first observed in 1868 to honor Civil War Veterans. Today it is often observed by Veterans passing out red poppies or facsimiles thereof while collecting contributions for local war veteran's functions. Local VFW buildings/facilities now prevalent in Communities across America provide a meeting place and social functions for Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Today is the day our Nation has set aside to remember and to thank those who have died in service to and in the defense of our Country.
Our National observance is at Arlington National Cemetery and always led by the President or the Vice President, this year by Vice President Biden who has always been a strong advocate for the military. President Obama attempted to perform the formalities at the President Lincoln National Cemetery near Chicago but a driving rain storm forced cancellation. His remarks were later delivered upon his return to Andrews AFB and were, as always, outstanding.
Walk through any large cemetery in America and you will find it is filled with the remains of those who paid the ultimate price, the ultimate sacrifice, always following their orders which is the Military Way and the Military itself, always following the orders of the Civilian Authority which is the American way. Can you spare a moment to think about these men and women and the price they paid for our Country, our Constitution and their OATH to them? Can you spare a moment to think about the sacrifices of their families who have lost their sons and daughters, their mothers and fathers?
Today in America our Vets are not being treated fairly or justly. Many come home severely wounded or traumatized then receive the Royal Runaround instead of the help they desperately need. They complete handful's of paper work, wait six months only to be handed a new and different handful of paper work which they complete then wait another six months and are handed another pile of paper work. Many are unable to work. They can't support their families and they lose their homes. It is as if the Civilian Authorities use them up, cannon fodder, have no further use of them, then praise them on national television as the Vets quietly suffer the greatest indignities, neglect and desertion by the country and the people their buddies died for and they continue to suffer greatly for. We should not stand for this now or ever. While the Politicians throw around TRILLIONS as if it were confetti ,these hero's suffer. And their families suffer. And they will go on suffering tomorrow and next week and next year and all they ever get is another handful of paper work. Of all the many things wrong in our country today this is one of the most shameful and most Americans don't know about this and never give these people a thought.
Today is the day to think about them and if you have a chance, 'buy' a poppy. Or make a contribution to your local VFW chapter. Or, if you are a true Patriot, take the time to demand of your civilian government prompt and proper treatment for these defenders of you and your families.
casper 5-31-10