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Guest Commentary November 10, 2001
Veterans Day: From One Generation to the Next
The Honorable Jo Ann Emerson
"No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave." -- President Calvin Coolidge
The first presidential proclamation recognizing Veterans Day came in 1954 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. He signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day and used the holiday to call upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace.
This year, as American men and women fight the war on terrorism here at home and overseas, the significance of Veterans Day rings louder than usual. The American flag is flying high; red, white and blue have become the colors of choice; and the country is abound in unity and patriotism greater than I have seen in my lifetime. And while Veterans Day is primarily a day set aside to honor the veterans of all wars, I'm certain that those who are on the front lines today will be particularly close to our hearts.
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Earlier this year, in an effort to raise awareness about the contributions and sacrifices of veterans, Congress passed a resolution designating the week of November 11-17, as National Veterans Awareness Week. The legislation was directed toward our elementary and secondary school students, but in recent weeks, we know that our nation's children are learning first hand about freedom. These are the children, who upon learning of the September 11 attacks, wrote cards, drew pictures, collected pennies, and joined together to honor families who lost loved ones, our firemen, police officers, and military. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity, support and honesty of our children. Their actions have reminded me about the importance of educating our children about the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the armed forces and the role they have played in maintaining our freedoms and way of life.
Here at home, our community is working hard to educate our youth about America's past, so that as they grow up, they will play an active role in securing and promoting the peace of our nation. In late October, more than 900 students, representing more than 28 schools, together with 100 veterans, and one of our nation's most well-known veterans, former Senator Bob Dole, came together for the Generations in Valor celebration. Coined by Betty Sayers, who coordinated the event as a project to get "members of the 'Greatest Generation' to mentor members of 'Generation Next,'" (Southeast Missourian, 10/25/01) the goal of the Generations in Valor event was to highlight the contributions of our servicemen and women and to allow our young people to learn first hand about their experiences in fighting for peace and freedom.
Without a doubt, the event fulfilled its mission. Although Congress was in session and Senator Bond and I shared videotaped messages instead of attending in person, it is clear from the articles and the feedback that our veterans were able to instill an appreciation and understanding of history in our children and inspired them to celebrate our nation's values and the joy and excitement of being an American.
I am hopeful this year as we celebrate National Veterans Awareness Week and Veterans Day, that every generation, from the "Greatest Generation" to "Generation Next," will take a few moments to reward America's newest heroes -- by honoring the men and women fighting in Operation Enduring Freedom. They are part of a long and unbroken line of men and women who have bravely and proudly served our country. Like the veterans before them and those in "Generation Next" who will come after, they truly are a special group of Americans and we thank them for serving.
Jo Ann Emerson, a Republican, represents the 8th Congressional District of Missouri in the U.S. House of Representatives. The above commentary has been adapted from a weekly column Rep. Emerson issues, November 2, 2001. To contact her, Click Here.
The above column has been distributed by PoliticsOL.com.
