Vets Corner: Practicing patriotism
By Ron Verini
Friday, February 1, 2008 1:03 PM PST
Learning patriotism is a very important function for our youth in our community. Programs that the VFW, American Legion and organizations like the Elks, Boys/Girls Scouts, Explorers and churches do such a great job in this so very important endeavor.
While I was at a function at the Veterans Hall, celebrating the hard work of all of the volunteers of the American Legion Post No. 67 and Auxiliary Unit, the party was interrupted by an event that made us all proud to be part of the American Legion family. This event probably takes place many times in the halls of all these organizations from time to time, but it had a special effect that night because everyone stopped to honor Michael Anthony Jones, age 6, for knowing the Pledge of Allegiance and its meaning, and he was given a certificate to the great joy of the crowd. Then Steve Farrow, commander of our post, turned to Michael’s brother and presented a certificate to Jacob Matthew Jones, age 4, for learning the Pledge of Allegiance. The family members of these boys was beaming with pride. Michael Jones, our second vice commander of District 10, and his wife, Sharon, a very active member of the auxiliary, could not sit still the rest of the night.
I mentioned this story because throughout this nation, youth are the backbone of our freedom since they will be the future and determine the direction that we will take as time goes by. Adlai Stevenson said, “Patriotism is not a short, frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” I am happy to report that all of these organizations mentioned plus many others teach our youth not only Americanism but also the importance of patriotism!
On a sadder note, the growing problem of homeless veterans is going to disrupt our small towns and big cities alike. We do not have the luxury that the Vietnam veterans had in my day, and that was to escape to counter-cultures such as the communes, etc.! If we as a country do not step up and treat the mind and hearts of these soldiers then this will continue to plague our nation and disrupt the sanctity of our communities.
In summation to the above two thoughts, we teach our children the importance of patriotism, country, service, etc., and expect them to serve, but then we do not follow through from the ravages of war and conflict to the full extent of our abilities as a country. These problems will come back to haunt us as a nation as time goes on and the veterans build up in our communities as the wars go on. Please contact your representatives of government and let them know that if they send us to war then they have the responsibility to care for us on return. That means the physical as well as mental problems.
Pease contact me (Ronald Verini) if you have any questions or comments at dnvont@msn.com, or phone (541) 881-8881, or P.O. Box 933, Ontario, Oregon.
“...The soldier above all other people prays for peace, for he must suffer and bare the deepest wounds and scars of war,” Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
