June has stormed in, bringing the heat of summer, much as the Allied landing on the beaches of Normandy, France, carried the weight and force of invasion to the European continent in June 1944 during World War II.
June 5 was the anniversary of the French mainline to drive the Axis armies back to Germany and ultimately into surrender. I could not help but to notice, the general populace showed little interest that Sunday. I can only surmise that the events are fading from U.S. citizens’ collective memory.
June 14 was Flag Day, and also marked the 241st birthday of the U.S. Army. A lot has changed in that time, but one thing remains: Peace through superior firepower!
Our military in general has carried losses and scars and suffered major deprivation to ensure that all of us here at home enjoy the privileges and freedoms our ancestors fought and died for since 1775 – like the freedom of speech that allows people to burn flags in protest, and the Second Amendment that guarantees the right to bear arms (even though some politicians want to strip that right from us – along with the rest of the Constitution).
We must all be informed, watchful and involved in our communities.
Looking at the calendar, I don’t see any more events for this month. However, Independence Day is Monday July 4, and brings with it another three-day weekend!
According to the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) newsletter, a new website (https://www.vets.gov/employment/) has been activated to connect vets with potential employers. Also from the same newsletter, two bills – S681 and HR 969 – are in Congress to rally support for Vietnam veterans who have health problems commonly associated with exposure to Agent Orange herbicide.
Interesting how the political powers can fund a war, but can’t seem to find money for the care of the troops that served – that’s shameful and disgraceful. Please write or call our elected representatives to urge their support in these bills.
A few days ago I was at lunch in the Texas County Memorial Hospital cafeteria, and from a couple of tables over I hear snippets of a conversation. I think I heard that a young woman had enlisted in the Army. I would have like to gotten more information, and even committed some of this space to her, but I was unable to pleasantly enter into the conversation.
This is my request: If any of the readers know of any new volunteers, please direct them to me. I would like to interview them and share their thoughts with the readership. My email is generally posted with this column.
American Legion meetings take place on the second Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Post 41 Legion Hall on U.S. 63 next to Pizza Hut. All current and former service members and spouses are welcome.
At the meetings, we have pizza and non-alcoholic beverages.
Thanks until next month and have a peaceful July 4th.
Houston resident Keith Ford is a retired infantryman and an amateur writer whose work has appeared in publications around the world. Email kf4tap@yahoo.com.