| |
Coalition
Members, Fellow Americans, Patriots:
From
the Desk of Chairman John J. Molloy:
Brothers and Sisters:
A Special Veteran's
Day Message-
11 | 11 | 11 |
Every third generation or so - or early in every
century, according to the Georgian calender - the
world experiences an interesting date. The eleventh
year, the eleventh month, and the eleventh day may
give folks an opportunity to reflect, but, if they
do, it would probably be because of the date's numerical
significance. For us Americans, and as veterans,
this particular date and year has greater than usual
significance.
Some of you may remember Armistice Day, November
11, 1918, which marked the official termination
of World War I. As memories waned the commemoration
of the signing of the armistice lost it's significance
and the date was designated as one in which all
veterans would be remembered and honored for their
service. That date officially became known as: Veterans
Day.
However, this particular year marks significant
anniversaries in our nation's history. The year
2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the commencement
of the War Between the States known by some as the
"Civil War." This year 2011 also marks
the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor
and the commencement of World War II. The year 2011
marks the 50th anniversary of America's official
involvement in the Vietnam War and the 20th anniversary
of Operation Desert Storm, better known as
the Gulf War, and the 10th anniversary of the 9/11
attack on America by Islamic terrorists. All of
these anniversaries are significant as they mark
events that remind us of the tremendous sacrifice
of our veterans, our citizens, and the tremendous
effusion of American blood to ensure our freedom
and to defend those who wish to experience freedom
for their nations.
So this Veterans Day in particular, it is important
that we take the time to reflect on these sacrifices,
participate in commemorative ceremonies, and thank
your fellow veterans for their service and sacrifices.
They, in turn, should return the thanks. Such recognition
is important as it shows unity among veterans; those
who have taken the sacred oath to protect America
and to defend its Constitution from ALL enemies.
It is also important that on this particular 11/11/11,
the President of the United States be reminded that
he should never apologize
to foreign nations for what he considers to be America's
arrogance, especially after so much of our blood
has been spilled and our youth sacrificed for the
freedom of those other than ourselves. It is he
who is arrogant for making such an apology. So this
day, even if America's chief executive fails to
appreciate your sacrifice and the sacrifices of
your compatriots who have served in our nation's
armed forces, you have earned the right to be respected
by your fellow citizens and are to be honored accordingly.
May God Bless America and may He preserve our nation
and protect it from harm.
Yours in brotherhood,
John J. Molloy
Chairman
National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition.
Sgt. , 2nd Plt. B Co. 1/20, 11th Lt. Inf Bde Vietnam
1967-68
Survivor - 2 WTC, 2/26/93 & 9/11/01
 "The
original Purple Heart award was instituted by
George Washington in 1782 to reward troops for
"unusual gallantry" and "extraordinary
fidelity and essential service." The award
was a purple cloth
heart edged in silver braid, and was to be worn
over the left breast of the uniform."
The day was established to honor Purple Heart
recipients, the purple heart award now reserved
for
our combat killed and wounded, also including
prisoners of war and missing in action.
|
|
