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.

Discussion: 7 comments so far…

By fosimmons

11/11/09 at 4:50 a.m.

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Fellow Idiots: Honoring our Veterans is extremely important as our youth knows little if anything about history these days and it will be a history lesson for them. They should ask every Veteran they encounter where they served and a few questions about it, shake the hand and say a simple thanks. Further, the Veterans certainly deserve a national day for all they have done for this great nation. Ask one youth where France is and you'll see what I mean, and then Mexico or Canada. Try it. We, as adults, pretty much stand by as many Vets sleep on the sidewalks of American life. What can be done? Well, this administration is doing much better than the last CriminalBush Mob at least, but not nearly enough. Sending a few bucks to those Missions helps, and writing letters to your Congressmen does if you can spare a moment from your porn sites or your mistresses, exampled by Honest Ensign. Gradually we are being extricated from being idiots collectively thanks to our new President. Squeezing a lot of thought into small spaces. Thank you.
By rejco100

11/11/09 at 7:36 a.m.

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It's a DISGRACE what the VA & POVERTY PIMPS have done to veterans. The VA & POVERTY PIMPS & Media have been on a Multi-Billion Dollar campaign to WARN the nation's employers that veterans can SNAP at any moment and are a serious threat to your businesses.
By vsestini

11/11/09 at 7:59 a.m.

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This district is not committed to teaching real a
American history but is placing more and more emphasis on the poltically correct mode of emphasizing 'hispanic culture, Mexican history and the like'. School assemlies are held to honor Cinco De Mayo (May 5) but what about Columbus Day? Preident's Day? Veterans Day? Memorial Day? oh, no we can't have that its not politically correct to celebrate American citizen heroes but let's let the children learn about how Mexico was cheated out of the southwestern states by the corrupt American government.

Brainwahsing children with Mexican history to prepare them for the great hispanic takeover in the next 20-25 years is more important than spendng time talkng or teaching the importance of remembering Veterans Day.

Goodbye America...nice knowing you!
By LarryVegas

11/11/09 at 8:03 a.m.

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fosimmons was doing so well in his post until he wrote "Criminal Bush..."

That's when I quit reading and flushed his rant out of my mind...

Far left people like fosimmons can't even separate saying something good about veterans without bringing in political hate for their fellow man...
By Phargo

11/11/09 at 8:30 a.m.

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Amen to that Larry.
By rejco100

11/11/09 at 10:11 a.m.

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You two are in such DENIAL!
By POWERPLAY

11/11/09 at 10:44 a.m.

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The problem with celebrating veterans day is that to many weak minded people in this country are ante gun they don't believe in the second amendment and just won't admit that this country was founded on the use of armed force. Also the vast majority of liberals will not celebrate any successful history of white people in this country.