The government is failing in its commitment to veterans

To the editor: The Nicholas P. Lesando Jr. Post 214 of the American Legion in Warwick, along with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4662, is in the process of making plans for this year’s Memorial Day ceremonies that take place in May. However, the honor we will give to our departed veterans is tarnished by the recent news regarding the treatment of our returning wounded (both physical and mental wounds) from the current Iraq war. You have most likely read where the after care facilities at Walter Reed Army Hospital are in terrible shape. In addition, Iraq war veterans who have returned home with mental problems such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder are not receiving adequate services from either the military or the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is estimated that there are somewhere between 500 and 1,000 homeless Iraq war veterans. Waiting time to receive treatment in DVA facilities is far too long, and after care to deal with long-term physical and mental needs is hampered by a lack of staff. This is wrong. Veterans’ service organizations such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled War Veterans and others have been actively pressuring the government to correct these problems. However, not much is being done. In fact, the government has not allocated the funds necessary to treat Iraq war and other veterans properly. While there have been some increases in funding, it is not nearly enough to deal with the problem. On March 4, 1865, Abraham Lincoln delivered his second inaugural address. At that time, the Civil War was still being fought, but the hostilities were near an end. In the last paragraph of that speech, Lincoln stated that the time had come “to care for those who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan.” This was the beginning of the government’s commitment to care for its veterans. Today, however, we are failing in that commitment. This is unconscionable. Not only that, but benefits for all veterans has been significantly reduced over the last few years. The excuse given for this reduction is the cost of providing the needed care. However, I doubt seriously if any American would not be willing to cover whatever costs are involved. Regardless of how we might feel about the current war, no one can state that the veterans of it don’t deserve the best and most complete care necessary even if it costs us more. In conclusion, as we prepare for Memorial Day to honor our veterans who have passed on, I ask all of you to join with your veterans’ service organizations in demanding that our government treat it’s veterans fairly. In his address for the dedication of the cemetery at Gettysburg, Lincoln also stated: “The world will little note, or long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” Lincoln, as eloquent as he was, knew that America is a nation of deeds - not words. How we treat our veterans is one of those deeds. We need to do a better job and we need your help to insure that the job is done well. Thank you. Walter Parkinson American Legion Post Commander Nicholas P. Lesando Jr. Post 214