When then governor of California Ronald Reagan introduced returning POW John McCain at a speaking engagement in 1974, the future president asked: “Where do we find such men?”
He was speaking of many veterans, when he answered: “We find them in our streets, in the office, the shops and the working places of our country and on the farms.”
He was referring to ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things.
Army Spc. Monica Brown was still a teenager when she went on patrol as a medic in Afghanistan in 2007. Under fire, she and her platoon sergeant ran a few hundred yards toward a burning Humvee, helped pull injured soldiers from the vehicle and rendered life-saving first aid. For her actions, she was awarded a Silver Star, the nation’s third highest combat decoration.
But to credit the Monica Browns and other heroes in our military with helping only their comrades is short-sighted. They are helping us. It is America, not America’s military, on which al-Qaida and other terrorists have declared war.
Fewer than 10 percent of Americans can claim the title “military veteran,” and what a list of accomplishments can they claim. From defeating communism, fascism and imperialism to keeping the peace during the Cold War and battling terrorism today, America owes a debt to her veterans that can never be fully repaid.
Historians have said that Dwight Eisenhower was prouder of being a soldier than of being president. While relatively few veterans reach the rank of general, pride in one’s military service is a bond shared by almost all who serve.
Can any CEO or distinguished Ivy League graduate truly claim to have more responsibility than the 20-year-old squad leader walking a patrol in Afghanistan or Iraq?
As leader of the nation’s largest veterans’ organization, it is my job to remember the brave men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States military. The preamble to the constitution of The American Legion calls on us to “preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars.” But those who have not served — in fact, all Americans — should honor the patriots who have.
The American Legion supports our heroes through programs such as “Heroes to Hometowns,” “Operation Comfort Warriors” and ready-to-assist service officers. We support veterans’ families through such programs as our family support network, legacy scholarship fund and temporary financial assistance.
We call on all Americans to thank veterans and let them know that their sacrifices are appreciated. Veterans Day is not about sales at the local retail mall. It’s about honoring our heroes.
While veterans are often ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things, it is often an extraordinary family that supports the ordinary veteran. And it is the veterans who have given us this extraordinary country.
Clarence Hill is national commander of the 2.5 million-member American Legion.
