GRAY MATTER


LEONARD GRAY Ph.D.


Tomorrow is Veteran's Day ... and, to all of us who are veterans, we appreciate seeing our nation honoring all who have served our country. We reflect on the many ups and downs of war and other military conflicts that have plagued our nation.

A very impressive treatment on this subject is a statement made some time ago by a retired Air Force veteran who was offended by a comment the media carried, quoting a top political official, who in a session regarding welfare and social security ... was told, by his political advisors,” The older generation must learn to sacrifice, as other generations have done.”

Quoting only a few of the comments made by the offended veteran: “That's my generation. I knew eventually someone would ferret out the dirty secret about us, that we've lived the “lifestyle of the rich and famous”. We must bare the truth about our selfishness. We certainly don't need that Social Security money that we've put away for all those years. We sure don't need any help on our medical bills. During the depression we had a hilarious time dancing to the tune of ‘Brother Can You Spare a Dime'? Then, with WWII, the cup filled to overflowing. We got a chance to bask on the exotic beeches of Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and Okinawa ... and to see the capitals of Europe, and such scenic spots as Bastogne, Malmedy, Monte Cassino ... to stroll from Bataan to the local Japanese hotels, laughingly known as “death camps”. Then there were cruises on those sleek gray ships, to such places as Midway ... the Solomans, Murmansk, etc. Instead of asking, “What can we do for our country”, our indulgent government let us fritter away our youth wandering idly through the lush and lovely jungles of Burma and New Guinea. Yes, it's true ... our older generation were pampered and spoiled. We never did realize what sacrifice meant”.

Wow! Like many of you, I served in a combat zone in WWII and, like many of you, I can understand the heart of this veteran's message.

Now, on the other side of things that come from political people, comes this great bit of an excerpt from a speech, years ago, by then Senator F. Carlson of Kansas. He was speaking at a prayer breakfast for Senators. He said:

“The world today is in need of men: Men who are not for sale! Men who are honest and sound inside and out. True to the heart's core. Men with consciences as steady as the needle to the pole. Men who will stand for the right if the heavens totter and the earth reels. Men who can tell the truth and look the world right in the eye. Men who neither brag nor run. Who neither flag nor flinch. Men in whom the courage of everlasting life runs still, deep and strong. Men who know their message and tell it. Who know their place and fill it. Men who know their business and attend to it. Men who will not lie, shirk or dodge. Men who are willing to eat what they have earned and wear what they have paid for. God is looking for men ... who can unite together in a common bond ... who can join hands in a common task ... and who have come to the kingdom for such a time as this. God give us such men!

Someone came up with a good thought for our conclusion: “If you can read this in English, thank a teacher. If you can still read the Bible in public,, thank a veteran.”

Yes, no matter if the veteran is from WWII, or Iraq, or anywhere in between, think of them tomorrow - Veteran's Day 2006.