As we go into Memorial Day weekend, let’s not only have a wonderful weekend with family, but also remember the true reason we have this holiday. Here’s to the traditionalists, the radio babies, the forgotten generation, the moral authority -- to the generation of veterans from WWII, Vietnam, and the Korean War. What we know as great sacrifice, they know as a mere call of duty.
After working through the aftermath of the Great Depression, this generation was built a little tougher than others. They worked through the hard times to experience the best times. They veer from today’s generations with their value of “duty before pleasure." These men and women valued hard work and punching the clock. They had the mindset that work was an obligation, and they would do what needed to be done. So when traditionalists were called to serve, off they went.
On May 25, Honor Flight 20 flew into Fort Wayne International Airport and I was lucky enough to attend and welcome them home. Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization that provides veterans an opportunity to fly to Washington D.C. and view the war memorials. When they return home, they are greeted by a crowd of families, friends, and community members to honor and thank them. Honor Flight 20 was filled with Korean War and WWII veterans. They returned home to one of the largest turnouts Honor Flight Fort Wayne has ever seen. It was a much deserved welcome home.
Our freedom was not free, and in this day and age too many people are beginning to forget that. Today’s society is so influenced by terrorist attacks and Muslim-extremist groups; the US is fighting more individual groups, which changes the style of war, contrasting the traditionalist’s era. Today the US must consider different tactics of defense. With this being said, a change of mindset today does not and should not diminish the work done by the men and women before us. Anti-war groups and politicians will keep trying to take money and privileges away from our vets, but that is where we should step up as a community with organizations like Honor Flight.
So, here is to the veterans. Time changes but history remains the same. The work our veterans have put before us should never be forgotten or taken for granted. They did what they had to do for their families, friends and nation. Thank you to our veterans for the work that you’ve done and fight you’ve put forth. It's not forgotten.
