Las Vegas Sun

June 3, 2012

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SUN EDITORIAL:

Treating veterans right

Country should recognize veterans’ contributions throughout the year

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 | 2:07 a.m.

Today, 91 years ago, the shooting in World War I stopped, and it was hoped that the bloody conflict that had brought American troops to fight in Europe would be the “war to end all wars.”

It wasn’t, of course, as the world has since seen numerous wars and battles. For the United States, that has meant fighting in World War II, followed by Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. The U.S. military has also seen action in a number of other battles and peacekeeping missions, as well as in the decades-long Cold War.

This is Veterans Day, the time when the nation officially recognizes and honors those who serve and who have served in the military. It takes dedicated armed forces to protect our freedoms and the nation’s interests, and America has been well served by the men and women of its military. They have answered the call time and again, and now are facing danger around the world as they confront the threat of terrorism.

Thankfully, American troops have been greeted warmly and with respect by the public, and that is how it should be. There will be a parade honoring veterans in downtown Las Vegas starting at 10 a.m. today at Gass and Fourth streets. It will go north on Fourth and end at the Fremont Street Experience.

An issue remains, however, with the treatment veterans and members of the military receive. As we have noted before, troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with injuries and medical issues have often found themselves roughly treated by the military. The Veterans Affairs Department has also often been negligent in its work.

The Pentagon has pledged to make improvements, as has Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki, a retired Army general. Shinseki said, “America has a sacred trust to care for those who defend her.”

He is right. Veterans and those who are serving deserve more than one day a year in their honor. They deserve the best the country has to offer throughout the year in return for what they gave.

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