What a pleasure it was to see and hear area military veterans receive the warm praises they so richly deserve.
On Nov. 8, those veterans marched in a Veterans’ Parade on the grounds of the St. Cloud VA facility. Sad to say, some of them could not march due to physical disabilities (some war-related) or other ailments that come with advanced age. Those veterans were able to use wheelchairs or ride in the parade.
Along the route, all the way to Apollo High School, spectators from the curb saluted and waved at the veterans, and a chorus of “Thank you, Thank you, Thank you” could be heard on the warm autumn air. The veterans waved, smiled back and acknowledged the praise.
After recent scandals about substandard or delayed medical and psychological treatment for our veterans, it’s good to know they know people respect the sufferings, deprivations and time away from families these veterans have given in service to their country.
It was especially gratifying to see and hear praise for the many Vietnam War veterans who marched in the parade. After that long and divisive war, many of its veterans felt shunned and ridiculed by their fellow Americans. As a result, many were reluctant even to form bonds with others, and too many suffered alone in silence for years. Thank goodness now, thanks to more public awareness of veterans’ issues, Vietnam veterans are also honored, as well they should be.
It’s one thing to disagree with this or that war, but it’s quite another to spurn honorable veterans who gave so much for this country, whether or not one agrees with a particular war. These veterans, no matter what war, deserve our utmost thanks and respect. It’s difficult for most civilians to imagine what kinds of horrors they witnessed, injuries they endured (and still endure) and how they had to do tours of duty (in many cases, multiple tours of duty) in dangerous places so far away from loved ones back home.
It was good to see so many age groups at the Veterans’ Parade, especially so many young children who are learning, at such a young age, about the sacrifices generations of veterans have made for the United States and other countries they have helped.
We can only hope next year, at the next Veterans’ Parade, more people take the time to show up, to give thanks and to let our veterans know they are truly appreciated and cherished.
In the meantime, honoring our veterans should not be a once-a-year thing to do. They should be thanked and appreciated every day of the year, and there are many ways to do that. Meet with legislators and urge them to strengthen programs to help veterans; reach out to veterans and ask them how you can help them with their needs; contact local veterans’ organizations to find out the many ways to donate time, talents and money; consider volunteering at the St. Cloud VA facility.
In recent years, fortunately, respect for veterans has grown. Let’s keep it that way by showing our support not just with words but with actions.
