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| Veterans Day a time to remember all veterans |
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| Wednesday, 04 November 2009 | |
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Rev. John C. Blackford Religion Columnist Next Wednesday, Nov. 11th, our nation will recognize its veterans once more. Older Americans will recall when this day was called “Armistice Day,” when, on November 11, 1918 at eleven o’clock a.m. (“the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month”), a peace treaty was signed ending what was called the World War. During the war of 1939-45, called World War II, the hostilities of 1914-1918 became known as World War I. In 1956, while Dwight D. Eisenhower was president, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day, so that all who have served in our Armed Forces might be included. The post-World War I era was the beginning of great changes for America and the world, but it did not usher in the lasting peace, “the war to end all wars,” predicted by diplomats and other visionaries. In our country the number of armed forces was reduced, and military preparedness neglected. However, the sacrifices of our veterans were not forgotten, and Armistice Day continued to be significant. With the founding of The American Legion in 1919, another important step in the remembrance of our veterans was taken. Along with the other major veterans group, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, The American Legion, as one of its many services, has kept before us the need to call to mind all our veterans have done to keep the light of freedom burning. All veterans are heroes in that they have been willing to give some of the best years of their lives to their country, and sometimes, even their lives. Some of their brave deeds were never chronicled, and may be forgotten. Yet, others stand out, and encourage us. One, in particular, was a hero in both world wars. When he was 12 years old Eddie Rickenbacker’s father died. Long before he was engaged in air combat over what was known as the Western Front, the son of German-speaking Swiss immigrants had to figure out how to help his mother and four younger siblings. He quit school and did various jobs, including a few with the new automobile industry. Soon he was designing engines for a car manufacturer in Columbus, OH. Then he became a successful race car driver, competing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and other tracks. With the advent of war Rickenbacker joined the Army as a sergeant in May of 1917. He was assigned to Gen. John J. Pershing’s staff as a driver because of his experience in racing. He wanted to become a pilot, and the following March was transferred to the 94th “Hat in the Ring” Aero Squadron with the rank of captain. In the following eight months he shot down 26 enemy aircraft, and became known as the “Ace of Aces.” Rickenbacker became a leader in the fields of aviation and auto racing. He owned and managed Eastern Airlines and also the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he had raced before the war. Then came Pearl Harbor. Secretary of War Henry Stimson enlisted the venerable pilot for special missions. Rickenbacker put the track up for sale, and went to war again. On October 21, 1942 the B-17 bomber carrying him and six crewmen ran out of gas and crashed. All survived, but they drifted 24 days in life rafts before rescuers found them. “Courage is doing what you are afraid to do,” he once said. “There can be no courage unless you are scared. Eddie Rickenbacker spoke for all heroes in that honest confession. Armed Forces chaplains often see the downside of war. Those who wear the uniform endure months, even years, in rigorous training. The event that gives them hero status may last only a few minutes. Then follow long periods of pain, both in body and in mind, and possibly permanent disfigurement, or even death. As we of the cloth give comfort and encouragement to them, we try to help them to see their sacrifices will not be forgotten, either by God or by a deeply grateful nation. This coming Veterans Day is a great opportunity to remember our veterans of all wars with deep appreciation, and that they served unselfishly for us in the cause of freedom. Acknowledgement: The American Legion Magazine, November 2009. Social Bookmarking ...       |
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