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November 6, 2012
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November 6, 2012
If you are not a veteran, you probably know one. The U.S. Census Bureau lists 21.8 million Americans as having been members in one four branches of military service.
The veteran population spans from World War II to newly discharged personnel having toured Afghanistan or any number of posts and bases around the globe.
Regional Military Museum President C.J. Christ adds to total veterans of designated wars those men and women who served during the Cold War (1947-1991). He also counts individuals involved in covert activity for interests of the United States as having served their country, thus increasing the total number of American veterans to an estimated 25 million.
The problem, Christ said, is that many veterans fall short in making themselves known and capitalizing on benefits coming to them. In turn, a holiday designated to honor them often passes unnoticed.
Veteran’s Day is Sunday and Christ, with a nucleus of additional vets, is calling-up those who have passed through the military experience. They are determined to let the public know why it is important to remember those who have gone before them, beside them and after them to protect the interests of democracy. “We have served, but we are still serving,” he said.
Armistice Day – the original designation of what was to become Veteran’s Day – commemorated an end to World War I. What was called the “war to end all wars” was remembered for generations as the surrender of Germany to Allied nations that occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month 1918.
Congress passed a resolution that formally recognized Armistice Day in 1926 and the “Great War” was observed with an official holiday.
When World War II, the Korean War and other conflicts across the atlas proved that the war to end all wars did not do so, President Eisenhower signed a bill in 1954 that expanded the November day of honor to include all veterans of military service.
With the passing of time and changing of cultural priorities some holidays have lost their original significance for many people. Christ said that should not be the case and need not be the fate of Veteran’s Day “because we are still here.”
Making its presence known, the Regional Military Museum, a taxpayer supported entity that pays tribute to all branches and eras of service is more than a collection of artifacts displayed in two buildings at 1154 Barrow St., Houma. Its members are coming forward to make their numbers known as vital participants in not only marking history, but improving present conditions for both veterans and civilians.
“We need to make sure young people know about what others went through before them so they will understand the importance of [protecting their] futures,” Christ said.
During November, the Regional Military Museum is backing a list of activities that range from a health and benefits fair being offered today by the Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs at the Houma-Terrebonne Civic Center, to visiting schools Friday and Monday, participating in the Louisiana Bicentennial Veterans Parade on Saturday and Veterans Day observances Sunday at the museum.
“I want veterans to know what is available to them,” Louisiana Department of Veteran Affairs assistance counselor Terri E. Brown said as she prepared for the health and benefits fair. “Some of the veterans need to be called out. You’d be surprised the number of people not willing to do for a veteran, or veterans not willing to do for themselves or others. We need to change that.”
Brown said, as an example, the health and benefits fair is expected to draw more than 400 attendees. She said the event will not only have 30 booths with representatives offering job placement assistance, perspective employers, and insurance and benefits information, but will offer experts speaking on several topics important to veterans of all ages and experiences.
“I get discouraged that there are young veterans that don’t understand why it is important for them to be involved,” Christ said. “What really bothers me are people in their 60s, 70s and 80s sitting at home complaining that they have nothing to do. There is plenty to do. You just need to get up off your backside and do it.”
The Census Bureau lists 9 million veterans as being 65 and older. On the other end of the age scale, are approximately 1.7 million former military personnel younger than 35.
Nearly 10 percent of veterans are business owners. Brown said in Terrebonne Parish alone the veteran population totals 6,380 individuals. She said that number represents more than $13.3 million in compensation and pensions being invested back into the communities where veterans live.
Christ said some veterans have received high accolades since the United States first formed a military. Others returned home to far less than deserved public attitudes. “Some people think if they did not see combat they are not veterans, but they are,” he said. “Some people think they have nothing to offer, but whoever can help is a hero.”
Regional Military Museum President C.J. Christ shows the North American Rockwell 690 used for domestic flights by President Eisenhower between 1953 and 1960, but says displaying artifacts is not the sole purpose of this organization. The Regional Military Museum is supporting services for veterans and calling on past military personnel to become more active in community service.
