Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: A tale of two cities and the veterans they honor

Friday, Nov. 14, 2003 | 5:14 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

WEEKEND EDITION Nov. 15 - 16, 2003

The cities of Henderson and Boulder City always pay special attention to their residents who have served in the military or who are still wearing the uniform. Neither city has outgrown the traditions of paying respect for those who have lived or died serving the United States. Memorials and tributes for the veterans remain a way of life for the people of these two Nevada communities.

As the veterans of World War II and Korea age they have noticed that much less thought is given to veterans during times of peace. During extended periods of peace, even the people we elect to Congress find it easier to cut into funding for the needs of worthy veterans. I guess it all comes down to the old saying "out of sight, out of mind." It doesn't take long for the forgetful ones to wake up when our nation is threatened or a member of their family suffers because of enemy action. Sept. 11, 2001, brought our entire nation back to reality and flags began to fly again.

Two years later, our men and women are still at war in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Minor conflicts and the 100 hours of ground warfare in the Gulf War of 1991 convinced many Americans that because of our power we could finish any conflict in a matter of days or weeks. Six months ago President George W. Bush announced that the major combat operations in Iraq had ended. Since that date more than 1,100 of our troops have been wounded, and as of Tuesday, an additional 153 have been killed by guerrilla action and terrorists.

Recent wars have shown the number of soldiers killed growing less when compared to the numbers wounded. Better medicine, quicker care and better protective gear have been the largest contributors to the survival rate of combat troops. The use of helicopters and mobile hospital units brought more than 103,284 wounded home from Korea with 33,651 having been killed in combat. During the Vietnam War we had 153,303 wounded and 47,369 killed in combat action. Coming from Iraq the saving of lives of the wounded has increased by a greater percentage.

David Moniz, writing in USA Today, quotes a combat physician who cites several reasons for these improved figures:

This means that larger numbers of amputees and people with other serious wounds will be returning from Afghanistan and Iraq to the United States and to Nevada communities. First, they must be provided with the medical care and rehabilitation at our military hospitals. Then they will be back among us seeking jobs and educational opportunities. This will be the time that the residents and business people of Henderson and Boulder City can again rise to new heights in honoring our veterans. They aren't seeking charity or handouts but should expect us to welcome them back with opportunities to be an important part of our society. They have earned no less and we have the opportunity to give real meaning to our memorials, parades and songs of patriotism.