Page 121 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2024 - Online Magazine
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of them were killed in time, depending on the military’s
combat. But the related needs. During wartime, those
Middle East wars in Iraq needs may be for several years;
and Afghanistan have during peacetime, the needs are
lasted from 2001 until generally for shorter periods. Many
the present. Just under military positions are now filled
1,000,000 Americans on a temporary basis by persons
have served in the Iraq serving in the Reserves or National
and Afghanistan theaters Guard–where people can train and
of conflict, resulting in serve on a part-time basis while
approximately 7,000 continuing in their civilian lives.
American combat deaths.
But regardless of whether the
From its beginning, our soldier, sailor, pilot, doctor, nurse,
country has honored or other person has been or is a
those who serve--and full-time or part-time member of
have served--in its armed the military, he or she must commit
forces. Following the to performing the same duties. And
end of WWI, the country all members of our armed forces,
began observing what whether active duty or part-time,
we now call Veterans are subject to being assigned at any
when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor Day. At that time, the day was time to any place the country needs
on December 7, 1941. Before
WWII was finally concluded in designated as Armistice Day. Its them. The military famously–or
perhaps infamously--doesn’t ask
purpose was to have the country
1945, over 16 million Americans
had served in the military. Over pause, remember the Armistice its members to go somewhere and
that ended the fighting--on the 11th
do a job; it tells them to do so. It
290,000 Americans had died in
combat; over 400,000, when both hour of the 11th day of the 11th tells them where to go, when to go,
month of 1918--and led to the end
what to do when they get there,
combat and non-combat deaths
were counted; and hundreds of the War, and to honor Americans and when to come home. History
tells us that it simply cannot be
who served during the War.
of thousands more suffered
permanent, disabling injuries. In 1954, Congress recognized that otherwise if we are to have a
military force sufficient to deter
all men and women who serve
Peace did not last long. The Korean those who wish harm to America.
War began in 1950. That war ended and have served our country in the Most veterans and persons
armed forces should be honored,
with an Armistice in 1953, but not
before almost six million Americans not just those who served during currently serving in the military do
an armed conflict, such as one
not talk much about their service.
served in the military and over
36,000 of them died from combat of the World Wars--and not just Even so, most are proud to have
served–or to be serving--America
those who died in combat. That
and combat-related injuries.
recognition resulted in Congress and its citizens. America has always
Then America became embroiled changing the name of Armistice needed such men and women.
in the Vietnam conflict that turned Day to Veterans Day. Thus, on America will always need them if
into a war. Historians say the War Veterans Day, we now honor all we are to survive as a country. They
lasted from 1955 until 1973. Almost Americans who have served, or are are truly members of American
nine million Americans served in currently serving honorably, in the society to whom we owe an
the military during that conflict, United States’ military forces. unqualified and heartfelt “Thank
with over 47,000 of those killed As is demonstrated by the stories you for your service.” Let’s each
in combat or dying from combat- remember to tell them so regularly.
related wounds. highlighted in this issue of Lubbock
Senior Link, veterans come from
Then came the Gulf War which saw all walks of life. And they serve—
over 2,000,000 Americans serve in or have served—on active duty
the military. Fortunately, only 147 for many different lengths of
Lubbock Senior Link 121
