Because

A few years back there was a special couple in our NARFE group (National Association of Retired Federal Employees) and the gentle man spoke volumes about the Battle of the Bulge in which he participated. He has gone on to his reward after a short battle with Alzheimer's but his mind held the details of the battle as if it were yesterday. I helped write his memoirs which was such fun to do as he and his wife were high school sweethearts, from the heartlands, and went on to raise four daughters who became teachers and nurses. They were such loving and giving people who never met a stranger; people you want in your lives and people you will always remember when lighting candles as their star shines bright in the heavens. His wife is now ninety and being well taken care of by her daughters. She is sharp of mind and when I call and ask what she is doing, her reply is "nothing' and I love it." She is the keeper of the window frame and watches the flowers grow and the great grandchildren romp and play.

I was looking at the new Navy boat which is made from the 'ashes' of the remains of the twin towers when the buildings were brought down by a new enemy, and wondered what he would have to say about the events of today. It took years before the memorial to the World War II veterans was finally finished, but, it did get finished so I can quit my griping. Four Sullivan men were in World War II, three Marines and one a Merchant Marine. They all paid a price for helping to save our world but I wonder how they would feel now about the current wars that are not wars, yet we are losing men every day. Eight were lost yesterday in Afghanistan while our leaders debate whether to send more or close shop, a tight rope of decisions to be made with no happy answers.

So I am musing about our veterans and am hoping and praying they will get the right attention when they come back home. They should get the best of medical treatments and hopefully full compensation for their time away. The G.I. Bill did wonders for the returning vets in World War II, and I feel it is the least we can do for all the returning veterans.

So today give a little thought to our fighting men and women and send a couple of 'bucks' to the Disabled Veterans and buy a calendar or two. Adopt a veteran and visit one of the hospitals if you are near one, and if you cannot, donate a couple of dollars to the VFW and help the auxiliaries in their special programs to help our veterans. Best of all say a prayer or two for all of us . . . we really need it.