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Veterans Day 2016 and service before self

All gave some, some gave all. A truth we as veterans know above all others as it remains with us for a lifetime.

Service before self, three words that define every person who has ever worn the uniform of our great nation. Each of us have sacrificed in some way, and I want to thank you, from one veteran to another, for that commitment to sacrifice.

I am proud to be an American from the greatest country in the world. It is our freedoms that make it so, and those freedoms were won and defended by veterans — the men and women who put the ideals of our country before themselves. On Veterans Day, we honor all who served and those who are still serving. It is only right that we say, “thank you.”

Standing up to say thank you on Veterans Day is as important as standing up for them any other day they need us. On Memorial Day we specifically honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. On Veterans Day, we honor the fallen, but we also honor those who were fortunate enough to make it home. For every service man and woman who pays the ultimate price, 10 more are severely injured or disabled. Our Gold Star families cannot be forgotten either. There will be more soldiers, more wounded and more fallen. We should remember our veterans every day.

As Veterans Day nears, I ask you, as you honor veterans, to remember the promises made to the men and women who were, and are, willing to give their lives to defend your families and the way of life we enjoy today. In our communities, we can see all the heroes who suffered since the World Wars, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan, only to be followed with military conflicts that will put our own in harm’s way. Let us not forget them.

On this Veterans Day I would also ask that you please think about the following:

Many Vietnam War veterans did not get the homecoming they deserved. The war was brought to the living rooms of our homes and was not thought of as a war that compared to the “Good Wars.” What is a good war? Regardless of how unpopular the Vietnam War was at the time, our nation’s veterans deserved better than to be jeered, mocked and despised when they returned home. They, like generations of veterans before and after, served honorably, and bravely. Now, our nation is taking the time to remember them with a series of 13 years of Vietnam War Commemorations, symbolizing the 13 years of involvement there. These ceremonies will be held over the next decade, through Veterans Day of 2025.

The 2008 National Defense Authorization Act authorized the Secretary of Defense to conduct a program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. These commemorations have been directed to be held from May 28, 2012 to Nov. 11, 2025. There will continue to be a combination of national commemorations, and many more state and local events. The idea is to bring recognition to the veterans, and to help communities better understand our involvement in the Vietnam War, and how much our veterans mean to our communities.

The phrase, “A Grateful Nation Thanks and Honors You” graces the official United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Flag. It is a reminder to all Vietnam veterans that their sacrifices are not forgotten. It also serves as a reminder of their service to those who did not participate in the Vietnam War.

There is no statute of limitations for honor and we all need to remember and appreciate that. I believe it’s a good thing the U.S. government decided to embrace the Vietnam veterans community and commemorate the service and sacrifice they endured on behalf of our nation.

Being a soldier has helped me appreciate Vietnam veterans for what they have endured since coming home. Instead of receiving the hero’s welcome Vietnam War veterans were jeered, disparaged or disregarded. They deserved a hero’s welcome. They did not receive it. Now it’s time to recognize them for their service and sacrifice.

If you know a Vietnam War veteran, please thank them for their service. Take them out for coffee or buy them lunch. Take time to listen to their stories if they are willing to share them. They deserve the respect of our nation. Tell them, “thank you and welcome home!”

On Veterans Day 2016, as commander of the 8th District, Department of Ohio, Disabled American Veterans, I will be presenting every Vietnam veteran with a special lapel pin and thank-you letter if they come and present themselves. These pins are limited in number … for convenience and ease of access, I will be located at the American Legion Post 64 in Marietta immediately after the Veterans Day Parade until quantities are exhausted.

To our country, our communities, our friends and relatives, thank you for remembering us.

Andy Matheny is District 8 commander for the Department of Ohio Disabled American Veterans.

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