When the band stops playing…
This past Veteran’s Day, the local VFW post organized and held a free breakfast, followed by a parade downtown, just as they have one for years. These are present and former members of the military who have served on foreign soil honoring others who put their lives on the line to represent and protect the freedoms that all of us enjoy and often take for granted. On that day, we focus our attention on the sacrifices and contributions of those who serve and have served in the different branches of our our Armed Forces. As an honorably discharged member of the military and proud, Vietnam veteran, I thought that this would be an opportune time to call attention to the need to improve and extend existing benefits afforded to those who serve and have served. At some point in this nations’s history, members of Congress, our so-called ” public servants and representatives of the pulse of the people”, acquired the power to vote themselves pay raises. All the flag-waving, band-marching, drum-pounding, back-patting, and hearty thank-you’s for services rendered and sacrifices made, are greatly appreciated on Veteran’s day. But when the parade is over and the drums are silent, the need for change is still there. Some who serve in Congress are former members of the military. To all of you lawmakers, I say that gratitude should show itself in the improvements that can be made in veteran’s benefits. Vote for it! Throw us ” a few more crumbs”.