More than a half century now separates us from World War II, plus the Korean War in the 1950’s and the Vietnam War in the 1960’s. A quarter of a century separates us from the first Persian Gulf War in 1990. Time is taking its toll on the national collective knowledge of these struggles and their worldwide implications. Several generations of Americans have now grown to maturity largely unaware of these wars, all of which have transformed American society resulting in the great nation we live in today.
When the veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam War were young, they did something no other generation in the history of the world can claim. They saved the world from global Fascist domination and Communist aggression. And today’s younger veterans helped save America from another devastating terrorist attack like 9/11. They did it not for glory or honor, not for lasting tribute on a printed page but simply because it had to be done. It fell to these Americans to save the world from the unspeakable horrors of Nazism, Fascism, Communism and life inhibiting terrorism and this they did!
Many veterans of our past wars walk a little slower now a day and the spring in their step may be gone or inhibited by a wartime injury or illness. Sometimes you have to speak a little louder when talking to them. Time has taken its toll and is taking its toll on many of them regardless of the war in which they fought. Their ranks grow thinner every day. We need to take a long loving look at our veterans while we still have the chance. So when you see a veteran of America’s past wars and today’s most recent conflicts, give him or her a hug, shake his or her hand, and say “Thank you!”
Paul Zigo
Associate Professor of History
Director, World War II Era Studies Institute
