Next Tuesday is Veterans Day, a time to recognize all veterans who have honorably served our country. If you see a man or woman wearing a tee shirt or cap denoting a veteran, it’s a good chance to voice your gratitude for the person devoting a slice of their young life to guaranteeing your freedom.
The federal holiday continues to be November 11 in remembrance of the ending of the Great War at 11 o’clock in the morning of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. At the time, it was known as “the war to end all wars.” If only that proved true.
The Durand American Legion Gold Star Post 676 has recently installed street signs honoring Durand Gold Star Veterans at six locations in the village where the youngsters grew up. These aren’t just faceless names–the red, white and blue designations include photos of the young men in uniform. If you haven’t seen all of these honorariums, now might be a good time to take a ride around town.
Older generations remember the draft, which allowed the country to conscript the needed young men to serve in the Army. When a young male celebrated his eighteenth birthday, he had to register with the Selective Service System, an independent federal agency, that administers the program. Since 1973, the United States military has relied on an all-volunteer force but all young men still have to register in case it becomes necessary for Congress to reinstitute the draft.
It’s easy to assume that there will always be enough young people available to serve our country, but during the past decade, more Americans have been having an increasingly difficult time meeting military standards for enlistment. The Future Soldiers Preparatory Course, a ninety-day program that enables candidates to meet the service’s physical standards and academic standards before reporting for traditional basic training. The army gained 13,200 recruits through this route in 2024.
After World War II (1939 – 1945), which older folks like me remember, every family had at least one member who served our country. We were surrounded by veterans.
Recently, Air Force Gen. Paul J. Selva said only one percent of our population will wear the uniform of this nation in any of the incarnations–soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, active Guard or Reserve.
Do you know a veteran?