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The Twin Towers of the World Trade Center were a symbol of capitalism and Democracy. That’s the way the Muslim fanatics saw it when they crashed jet planes into the buildings. Their goal was to destroy America and all that it stands for. Instead, they awakened the spirit that founded
this nation. There was an
exuberance of patriotism. Cars
sprouted bumper stickers extolling America and freedom.
The country was aglow with the flush of defense and defiance.
Old Glory was displayed everywhere.
Some flags were even made outside China and in this county. American troops were sent abroad to chase the
terrorists into the mountains of Afghanistan.
Then they were sent to invade Iraq because of the threat of
weapons of mass destruction and terrorist sympathies.
Everyone was high on patriotism. It is a shame, though, that it takes a tragedy
and the violence of war to make us appreciate what we have, the things
that the military past, the military present, and the military of the
future have given and will give for America.
Their youth, their health and their lives are put on the line for
their country. Rudyard
Kipling wrote a poem about Tommy, the typical British soldier.
People pushed him to the shadows when there was peace. But, let a war break out, and it was “Tommy to the
front.” We take our military for granted, until they are
needed to be put in harm’s way. Even now, while the aftermath of the Iraqi
battle is just dying down, and resistant gunfire is still present, our
military is being neglected. Many
lost their jobs when called to active duty through the Reserve or
National Guard. Many lost
cars or property with the sudden economic drain of military service.
All suffered and endured. To top it off, Washington is cutting veterans
benefits and making it more difficult for those who have served to find
treatment in Veterans Administration hospitals.
We can spend billions for foreign aid and rebuilding other
countries, but we short change our veterans. When a man or woman went into service, they were
told their country would always stand by them with health care.
That was a moral contract. A
federal judge ruled the government’s “moral contract” was
worthless. Let them take
care of themselves. On a local level, Chattanooga calls itself the
Most Patriotic City in America. It
has Veterans Bridge. It has
the Memorial Auditorium dedicated to the military men and women. It has highways and parks named for Medal of Honor
recipients. And it has the
Medal of Honor Museum, even if its priceless artifacts are stored in
boxes. On August 4, 1949, President Harry Truman’s
administration announced the establishment of an Armed Forces Day to
honor the branches of the military.
Chattanooga has had a parade and observance since then.
The parade coordinators in 1994 gave out of energy and planned to
abandon it. They felt there
was a lack of public support. Under
the leadership of Bill Carman, the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council
picked up sponsorship. It
has carried on since. This year troop deployment overseas and
extensive street construction has diminished the scope of the parade. But, more importantly is the lack of enthusiasm from those
who should be supporters. Until
two weeks before the May 9 parade, no high school band had signed to
participate. Johnny Horne
contacted each school and made personal trips.
Many claimed they didn’t know about the parade.
You have to wonder what planet these school officials live on,
that they didn’t know this city has had a parade for over half a
century. Any faculty member who grew up in Chattanooga probably
marched in the eagerly awaited event. A graduate of Central High School learned of the
lack of band participation and offered $500 to the first two bands
volunteering to take part. Central
High was the first one. In
the past to get bands to take part, the Armed Forces Day committee has
paid for transportation. Schools
did not close, but students were excused to participate or attend. Rightly or wrongly, Hamilton County Schools
Superintendent Jesse Register is getting the blame for lack of
motivation. Nothing has
been said to discourage students and bands to join in.
Nothing has been said, either, to encourage them.
Patriotism is as important as civics or the history of our
country. They send students
on field trips to learn about snakes and insects.
They send them to theaters to see ballet and movies.
Learning how our country is defended is just as important. These students will be the men and women of
tomorrow who may be called to defend our country.
You can’t start teaching them the meaning too soon.
To make Chattanooga the Most Patriotic City in America, we need
participation from everyone, especially those in whose charge we have
placed our youth.
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