As Memorial Day approaches, the media bombard us with ideas and supplies for "Memorial Day picnics," "Memorial Day getaways," ads for bargain barbecues, tender steaks and hot dogs, and we see happy families somewhere, playing, cooking, joking, laughing. Sometimes we see an American flag in a yard, towns with flags fluttering along main street sidewalks, parades to mark the day and, sometimes, services in cemeteries where little flags adorn each grave, where "Taps" is sounded and wreaths placed. From these signs of Memorial Day, we sometimes pause and feel a sense of gratitude. Those of us, now elderly, who have lived through many wars, note the day with reverence and are carried back in reverie to other times. We are wistful and often sad. We miss people who never made it home. On Memorial Day, the thousands wounded, the families torn apart, the homeless vets living in parks and vans are completely forgotten, as preparations are under way for fun. I write this letter to tell readers about two ways they can accomplish something for those dear ones who take their places on battlefields for us. The Wounded Warrior Project provides tangible support for the severely wounded, assisting with innumerable, complicated problems, helping to heal wounds that can or cannot be seen. Visit info@woundedwarriors.org to find out about all that the organization does and how you can help. The Fisher House Foundation provides "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA centers, where families can stay while visiting hospitals. To date, 43 houses and counting are available at 18 military installations and 12 VA centers. These are multi-family lodgings, and since 1990, 120,000 families have been served. Imagine the cost to fly them to these facilities. But your frequent-flyer miles can help. To date, 16,000 tickets, or $21 million worth of miles, have been donated. Visit info@fisherhouse.org to find out how it's done and what airlines participate. Donations of miles are anonymous. The very worst thing that can happen to a soldier is to be forgotten. KATHLEEN JACKSON Port Townsend |
No comments:
Post a Comment