Serving requires the possibility that you just may get killed as a result, but in life there is only one way out, and that is death. Some earlier, some later. That is simple reality, and honoring the dead from war has a long history. Getting wounded in combat will get you a "Purple Heart" and depending on how badly you were wounded will get you medical services through the Veterans Administration. Fifty years ago in "Life Magazine" they exposed what that meant with a photo essay on several VA hospitals; it wasn't a pretty sight especially for the newest wounded vets at the time. Later, failing to recognize "Agent Orange" allowed thousands to die without so much as a tip of the hat, leaving families with the loss of a love one who had uncerimoially died in Vietnam but they didn't personally know it at the time. So honoring the dead because they died makes economic sense, no one from the government has to care for them the rest of their lives, they are simply dead! Those who remain we are supposed to know are being cared for (Maybe), but that is a fallacy often not true, especially if the VA doesn't want to believe you were harmed by your connection to the military. Maybe there should be more concentration on the survivors of war after giving of themselves to the point they will need help for the rest of their lives? I did my time, expected that if anything went wrong, I would have a back up plan with the VA. It was in my enlistment "contract" that I discovered wasn't worth the paper it was written on, until a sufficent number of my brothers had died and finally it happened! THis is a cost of war, and it should not be neglected because it costs to much! Maybe it would prevent our jumping in with both feet for every military action that has no statigy for an exit?
And there were many before that date, although the older wars fade from memory as the veterans and their generations disappear.
Do we talk much about these wars and Iowa’s sacrifices to them in history anymore? Seems to me that history is one area under attack in our public education system.
With the alacrity in which our congressional delegation and governor exhibited in attending the dignified transfer of these fallen soldiers, followed by a broad smiling photo opportunity, I thought this honor would have been a priority. Thanks for looking into the delay, Dr. Leonard.
Time indeed. I worked off and on for over 20 years in the State House building. Iowans can be justly proud of its history education value. If we can display First Lady dresses, we can surely find room, sooner and not later, as you have suggested, to honor our fallen service members while the story of their sacrifice is fresh in the minds of so many. By the way, I'm fine with the First Lady dress display. I haven't checked lately, but I do suggest the Department of Administrative Services and the Capitol Planning Commission start planning a display of a First Gentleman suit.
Outstanding, Bob, that you called folks’ attention to this. I know families and comrades of the fallen would appreciate it. Any of us who know or have worked with families of the fallen and those who served with them know they bear a special burden that will stay with them forever and their families for generations to come. They need to not be forgotten by our government, and government officials and others in positions of power and influence have a sacred responsibility to preserve their memory.
My cynical side says they are too busy taking away the rights of so many Iowans that they forgot or overlooked this or didn’t think it was that important.
Bob, Thanks for a reminder of the deaths of four men who deserve recognition and respect. My line to those who complain about gas prices, "I can not complain about the price of gas when 13 soldiers have been killed and hundreds wounded during the war of choice." My bluntness gets mixed reactions. Now we hear about the Kuwait USA military sites being unprotected and unsubstantial. Condolences to the grieving families.
Thank you for noting the omission. Perhaps the process is moving slowly. Perhaps not at all. Regardless, if Reynolds supports this war effort as she says and supports troops as she always says, she can expedite the process or at minimum she can now explain the hold up.
Serving requires the possibility that you just may get killed as a result, but in life there is only one way out, and that is death. Some earlier, some later. That is simple reality, and honoring the dead from war has a long history. Getting wounded in combat will get you a "Purple Heart" and depending on how badly you were wounded will get you medical services through the Veterans Administration. Fifty years ago in "Life Magazine" they exposed what that meant with a photo essay on several VA hospitals; it wasn't a pretty sight especially for the newest wounded vets at the time. Later, failing to recognize "Agent Orange" allowed thousands to die without so much as a tip of the hat, leaving families with the loss of a love one who had uncerimoially died in Vietnam but they didn't personally know it at the time. So honoring the dead because they died makes economic sense, no one from the government has to care for them the rest of their lives, they are simply dead! Those who remain we are supposed to know are being cared for (Maybe), but that is a fallacy often not true, especially if the VA doesn't want to believe you were harmed by your connection to the military. Maybe there should be more concentration on the survivors of war after giving of themselves to the point they will need help for the rest of their lives? I did my time, expected that if anything went wrong, I would have a back up plan with the VA. It was in my enlistment "contract" that I discovered wasn't worth the paper it was written on, until a sufficent number of my brothers had died and finally it happened! THis is a cost of war, and it should not be neglected because it costs to much! Maybe it would prevent our jumping in with both feet for every military action that has no statigy for an exit?
Well Said
Thank you so much for this welcome perspective. Important insights.
They definitely deserve recognition. Hopefully a temporary memorial can be put up if the process is really that lengthy.
Agreed.
And there were many before that date, although the older wars fade from memory as the veterans and their generations disappear.
Do we talk much about these wars and Iowa’s sacrifices to them in history anymore? Seems to me that history is one area under attack in our public education system.
I thought about this too, Leland, while I was writing it.
With the alacrity in which our congressional delegation and governor exhibited in attending the dignified transfer of these fallen soldiers, followed by a broad smiling photo opportunity, I thought this honor would have been a priority. Thanks for looking into the delay, Dr. Leonard.
Unfortunately, we've had / have leaders who care little about the total cost
Time indeed. I worked off and on for over 20 years in the State House building. Iowans can be justly proud of its history education value. If we can display First Lady dresses, we can surely find room, sooner and not later, as you have suggested, to honor our fallen service members while the story of their sacrifice is fresh in the minds of so many. By the way, I'm fine with the First Lady dress display. I haven't checked lately, but I do suggest the Department of Administrative Services and the Capitol Planning Commission start planning a display of a First Gentleman suit.
Thanks. Kim's husband is on display!
Outstanding, Bob, that you called folks’ attention to this. I know families and comrades of the fallen would appreciate it. Any of us who know or have worked with families of the fallen and those who served with them know they bear a special burden that will stay with them forever and their families for generations to come. They need to not be forgotten by our government, and government officials and others in positions of power and influence have a sacred responsibility to preserve their memory.
My cynical side says they are too busy taking away the rights of so many Iowans that they forgot or overlooked this or didn’t think it was that important.
Bob, Thanks for a reminder of the deaths of four men who deserve recognition and respect. My line to those who complain about gas prices, "I can not complain about the price of gas when 13 soldiers have been killed and hundreds wounded during the war of choice." My bluntness gets mixed reactions. Now we hear about the Kuwait USA military sites being unprotected and unsubstantial. Condolences to the grieving families.
Thank you for noting the omission. Perhaps the process is moving slowly. Perhaps not at all. Regardless, if Reynolds supports this war effort as she says and supports troops as she always says, she can expedite the process or at minimum she can now explain the hold up.