A Salute to Veterans of the Korean War and Vietnam War

By Lt. Governor Joe Maxwell 

	This week two events have given me pause in my schedule allowing me
to stop and spend time reflecting on the heroes of two very significant
events in our nation's history, the Korean War and Vietnam War. Sunday
marked the 50th anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War in
1953. America suffered significantly during this war with the loss of more
than 54,000 dedicated service men and women. These heroes fought to secure
freedom and democracy and stop the expansion of communism. This noble
mission and the members of the military who fought in this war deserve our
recognition this week.

This week is also a significant time for Missourians who fought in or have
friends or loved ones who fought in the Vietnam War. The Vietnam Veterans of
America (VVA) has chosen St. Louis as the host city for their national
conference taking place this week. The organization is celebrating its 25th
year of existence as the only congressionally chartered Vietnam veterans'
organization in the nation dedicated to Vietnam-era veterans and their
families. The VVA has been instrumental in helping other veterans receive
financial, housing and benefits assistance across the nation. They have lead
the effort in rebuilding the camaraderie of Vietnam veterans and remain true
to their founding principle these 25 years later that says, "never again
will one generation of veterans abandon another." As a retired first
sergeant in the Missouri National Guard, it is veterans organizations like
the VVA, that make me proud to have served for this great nation.
As part of their 25th anniversary celebration, one local VVA chapter in
Florissant has brought an extraordinary symbol of honor and remembrance to
the St. Louis area community. 

VVA Chapter 794 has co-sponsored with the City
of Florissant to bring the moving Vietnam Memorial Wall to Florissant. The
wall bears the names of the thousands of brave soldiers who died while
serving during the Vietnam War. The arrival of this moving tribute means
that Missourians who may not have had the opportunity to see a friend or a
loved one's name on the wall, may now get the chance. These people will have
the opportunity to bring items such as a piece of paper and a crayon to the
wall and capture the name of their hero. I thank VVA Chapter 794 for
allowing us the opportunity to commemorate the lives of Vietnam veterans
through observing this significant wall.

Though this week has emphasized two specific conflicts in American history,
there are veterans of many other conflicts that deserve our praise and
recognition. Take time out to thank a veteran for their service and remember
those who are currently serving in your prayers. Reflecting on the
tremendous sacrifices of those who have come before us and those who are
still among us will continue to make us a great and humble nation.