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| Articles |
Veterans Memorial Day Remembrance 11-8-09
Posted by: Kate on 11/11/2009 01:19 AM
Updated by: Kate on 02/12/2010 06:40 PM
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Expires: 01/01/2014 12:00 AM
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 Guest Speaker, Col Larry Saul, US Army Retired
Summary:The day was just perfect and Col Saul gave an inspirational speech to an audience of about 75 people, most of whom had a veteran in their lives directly or indirectly. A special recognition was paid to former Veteran Memorial Committee member, Col John Roberts who worked tirelessly to see the memorial built before he died. Peggy, John’s wife accepted the gift – a U S flag that had flown over the memorial on dedication day, July 4, 2007.
Quote: “I’m so glad someone removed the whitish streaks that defaced this beautiful Memorial.” - a visitor at the Veterans Memorial Celebration at Veterans Park on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Check Out Our New Site at www.aPVOC-GA.com
The celebration can be best described by reprinting the words, in their entirety, of the speech given by guest speaker, U S Army Retired Colonel Larry Saul and the complementary photos in the Photo Album on this site. Saul lives in Oconee County.
His words brought to mind the heart and soul of America’s freedom via the US Military and its men and women in uniform defending the US Constitution around the world.
What is a Veteran?
By Col Larry Saul
“Thank you for inviting me. I hope I can live up to the kind description of me in a recent newspaper article and David’s kind words. (You recall from history) that when Edward Everett introduced Abraham Lincoln, he took 2 hours. Lincoln’s speech lasted 2 minutes to deliver 290 words.
“I’d like to begin with a rhetorical question…..What is a Veteran? Webster’s dictionary defines a Veteran as: One who has served in the armed forces. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses that definition, but in most cases requires 180 days of service to meet the criteria for benefits. According to the VA there are some 25 million living veterans in America today.
“The USA is unique in marking today as a day to honor those who have served. Overseas, it’s a day to commemorate those who have died. We honor those who have fell in battle on a uniquely American Day – Memorial Day in May.
“When I was a child, it was called Decoration Day, the day we set aside to show our respect for the fallen; a day when we marked the graves of our military dead with flags and flowers. My great, great grandfather, a Civil War veteran who fought at the battle of Gettysburg, has a Grand Army of the Republic shield on his grave. He served in the 81st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. My wife, Annette’s great grandfather served with Company H, 50th Georgia Infantry fighting at Gettysburg also. It is a bit ironic to think, if either had been a better marksman, one of us wouldn’t be here today.
“Today in London at the Cenotaph near Parliament Square, the British Nation commemorated the 91st Anniversary of the end of the Great War (WWI). The ceremony is truly the single most important event paying homage to those who died in the First World War. Today’s ceremony in London is the first ever without a living veteran from that war in attendance. In England, France or Germany there are now no living witnesses to the horrors of that war. Only one US WWI veteran remains, Frank Buckles of West Virginia, who at the age of 108 is our last living veteran of the First World War. When he passes, we will have no living link to WWI.
“In many regards, veterans are unique individuals. They serve their fellow man. By entering military service, young men and women take on the role of protector and defender. All swore an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. They form a bond of brotherhood that is difficult to describe to non-veterans. That bond, often closer that family ties can last a lifetime and transcend nearly all other relationships. The best example of that is borne out in Stephen Ambrose’s classic WWII book entitled “Band of Brothers.” There are examples of that bond here today.
“According to the VA, only 20 of US WWII veterans remain – about 2.6 million. Think about that number; of the 16 million Americans who donned a uniform between 1940 and 1945, less that 3 million survive. They are dying at the rate of 1,000 per day. That is equal to an entire regiment each day. At the current rate, within 20 years, they too will pass into history. We will have no eyewitnesses to that war. Because of their valor, courage and sacrifice, it is appropriate that they are called the “Greatest Generation.”
“For the Koran War veterans, the numbers and statistics are about the same as for WWII. Veterans of the so-called Forgotten War are passing on at a fast rate. Besides those who fought in the Korean War, another category of veteran has received virtually zero recognition – that is the Cold War Veteran – those who served between 1946 and 1989 on the frontiers of freedom in Germany, Korea and elsewhere. Similarly, veterans who served in Lebanon, the Philippines and several other countries, all made contributions to the maintenance of peace. In some cases, these men and women paid the ultimate price. More than 300 marines were killed in Lebanon and 1983, 240 peacekeepers were killed in an air crash en-route back from Egypt in 1985 and many others died while helping maintain peace.
“I was shocked to find that for Viet Nam veterans, 25% have passed on. In fact, Viet Nam veterans have a much higher mortality rate compared to their non-veteran peers. These veterans were subject to cruelest treatment imaginable upon their return to the USA. They became the target of the public’s distaste for war. It is a sad note in our nation’s history that the Viet Nam veterans were so poorly treated after they returned home. I believe we have learned a valuable lesson from that and people today realize service men and women deserve better.
Another interesting statistic, today, 40% of all veterans are 65 years of age or older.
“Since 9/11, we have added over 2 million to the ranks of US veterans. Something to note of our current war, it is now the longest war in our nation’s history, even longer than the War of Independence - and a war with no seemingly end in sight. Hence, the numbers of veterans will continue to grow. I will cover some of our current challenges in a moment.
“Since 1973, our armed services have been all volunteer services. We no longer conscript or draft people. Currently, our combined services have about 1.3 million men and women on active duty. Now think about that number for a minute. 1.3 million defending a nation of 300 million.
“What is shocking and at the same time, sad to note, during the 4 years between 2005 and 2008, our armed forces, particularly the Army and the Marines were unable to recruit enough people to fill the ranks. What makes it even more challenging for our recruiters, 75% of the young people between ages of 18 and 25 are ineligible for military service. That’s right – only 25% of our young people even qualify to enter the military. To review the math, we have a (US) population of over 300 million and a just over 1 million in the armed forces. It boggles the mind. Never have so many been defended by so few.
“I wish now to speak on a personal level. Previously, I spoke of the bond of brotherhood formed among veterans. I can think of no better example than that which exists between2 Watkinsville veterans of the Viet Nam War – one a lifelong Oconee County resident and the other a newcomer (to Oconee County. In 1070, in the central highlands of South Viet Nam, near the towns of Dak To and Kontum, then Sgt David Williams greeted a group of replacements with a straight forward question, ”Any of you’ll from Georgia?” I indicated I was, when in fact, my family had just moved to Atlanta from Detroit months earlier. That simple encounter has led a lifetime friendship that has stood the test of time. Two men, serving their nation during perilous times, developed a bond that is difficult, if not impossible to explain to civilians. Annette and I ended up here in Oconee County in part due to the friendship we share with David and Martha Williams. Many of you understand what I mean. Those who have fought for freedom have a different perspective on what really matters in life.
“As I mentioned previously, about 2 million new veterans have joined our ranks since 9/11. And there appears to be no end in sight. We are facing the greatest threat to our nation and western civilization in modern times. This is a great titanic struggle between 2 civilizations, 2 cultures, 2 ways of life. Those who cherish individual freedoms and liberties versus those who hate all that freedom means. Although most of us see this as not religious warfare, one of the world’s largest religious groups has been hijacked by radicals intent on establishing the caliphate and sharia law worldwide.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am not trying to use scare tactics here, but rather my aim is to cause you to consider the threat we face. Today, the Pentagon calls this the Long War and until we accept that fact, we need to re-evaluate our lifestyle. We are blessed that with few exceptions, the war has been waged abroad. We cannot stay lucky forever. The next time terrorist strike here on our soil, we will undergo a formidable attack on our national psyche. I wrote this speech before the gruesome and shocking incident at Fort Hood last Thursday. We must renew our sense of vigilance or our lives will become less convenient than we enjoy now.
“Today, we enjoy our peace and freedom here at home because about 1 million young men and women face danger daily and sometimes death with a degree of stoicism that most of us cannot fathom. It is understandable if those soldiers and marines at the sharp end of battle doubt our resolve. We owe them our freedoms. Reports from Afghanistan state our young warriors are beginning to question our nation’s commitment to this struggle. It is sad to note in October alone, we lost 60 warriors. The previous and current administrations have failed the nation when it did not mobilize civilians for a long war. We are trying to prosecute this war on the cheap as if it is some bargain basement endeavor and without inconveniencing citizens. Remember that in WWII, the entire nation supported the war effort.
“Did you know that the US consumer will spend more money on Thanksgiving and Christmas than it does on national defense. We may have our priorities out of kilter. This year, during the festive season, while we celebrate our holidays, somewhere in the mountains of Afghanistan, teenage American soldiers will be locked in mortal combat with an enemy dedicated to destroying us. In the face of such extreme fanaticism, our young people are carrying a great burden. That is why they are the next “Greatest Generation.”
“Let us resolve to maintain a high degree of respect for these warriors. And let us not treat them as Viet Nam veterans were treated. A nation that loses respect for its military personnel is a nation not worthy of freedom.
“People use bumper stickers to express their opinions. Let me share with you, 2 that I saw recently and wholeheartedly endorse: “If you can read this, thank your teacher….If you read it in English, thank a veteran.” And “Have you hugged a veteran today?” Well have you?
“Thank you for honoring me today and thank you for showing your support for our veterans and MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA.” U S Army Ret Col Larry Saul
Check Out Our New Site at www.aPVOC-GA.com
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