Commentary; Posted: 11/7/07
Veterans Day has special meaning in 2007
Gen. John W. (Jack) Vessey
Guest Columnist
Veterans Day 2007 takes on a special significance for Minnesota. As in the past, we’ll honor the service of the veterans of all the nation’s wars, but this year we get to pay special tribute to a large number of Minnesotans newly returned from the combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.
President Woodrow Wilson established the theme of remembering the wartime service of citizens with his 1919 Armistice Day Proclamation.
Since then, the date that the World War I armistice was signed was marked by much of our country; however it wasn’t until 1938 that Congress made Armistice Day a National Holiday.
In 1954, the Congress and President Eisenhower wisely changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day to honor the service of the veterans of all America’s wars.
During World War I, about six percent of the population served. In World War II, about 13 percent of the population served.
During the two World Wars, the whole nation was mobilized, and nearly every family was somehow involved in the war effort.
The later wars of the 20th Century saw the percentage of our population serving decline.
For example, although the Vietnam War continued for 10 years, only about four percent of the population served.
This year, the holiday deserves special significance, because a much smaller percentage than in any time in history is bearing the burdens of a major war for the rest of us.
Today, less than one percent of our population serves in the Regular and Reserve components of the Armed Forces, and only a fraction of the force serves in combat at any particular time.
Additionally, our country is deeply divided in their opinion of this war. This war has not mobilized the nation.
Despite the divide in our nation’s support for the war, we can all agree on one important principle: Ensuring that the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen serving our country know how greatly we appreciate their service and their sacrifices in defense of our freedoms in the war.
This Veterans Day should remind us to thank those few men and women for their service to our country.
In Minnesota, “those few men and women” serving total more than 15,000 since the tragedy of September 11, 2001.
The war has seen the largest deployment of Minnesota National Guard and Reservists since World War II. Minnesota Guard soldiers have endured some of the longest terms of deployment in the war.
Of course, many Minnesotans also serve in the Regular Armed Forces. Those brave Minnesotans are carrying out the policies of our elected officials. They are making sacrifices to assure the survival of freedom.
The Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF) is one way for Minnesotans to express gratitude to our Minnesota military personnel.
MMAF is a non-partisan, non-political, 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation with the sole mission of saying “thanks” to Minnesota military personnel and their families.
MMAF provides cash grants to Minnesota military personnel who have served in a combat zone since September 11, 2001.
There are three levels of cash grants: $5000 grants to families of those Minnesotans killed in combat; $2000 - $10,000 grants to Minnesotans wounded in a combat zone; and $500 to all Minnesotans who have served in a combat zone.
Since its inception in August 2005, more than $6 million dollars has been contributed to the fund by patriotic people and businesses.
More than 5500 grants have been awarded to Minnesota military personnel, totaling over $3.4 million dollars.
Of these 5500 grants, 32 went to families of Minnesota soldiers killed in combat, 190 went to wounded soldiers, and the remaining grants have gone to Minnesotans who have served honorably.
New applications for grants arrive at a rate of over 100 a week. MMAF is the largest statewide initiative of its kind in the nation.
To help say “thanks” to these newest veterans on this Veterans Day, please consider visiting MMAF’s website (www.thankmntroops.org) where you can make a donation and leave a message of thanks to our Minnesota soldiers.
Help ensure that the fund will be able to thank all of Minnesota’s new veterans.
When you see a serviceman or servicewoman in uniform, take a minute to say “thanks” in person.
General Vessey began his service in the Minnesota National Guard in 1939 and ended it as the 10th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs in 1985. In addition to numerous military decorations, in 1992, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He now resides near Garrison, MN.
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