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Support For Troops Shows
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Published: July 4, 2008
As the past national commander of a congressionally chartered veterans' organization, I have opportunities to visit VA hospitals and clinics across the county. As I tour the hospital wards talking to returning servicemen and women, one striking difference between today and the Vietnam era is evident. Today, our citizens are openly showing their support and patriotism to our returning soldiers, sailors, Marines, Coast Guard and airmen. Everywhere I look in the hospitals I see gift baskets, visitors and get-well wishes on cards and banners from schools.
After being shot in both legs in Vietnam, I spent six months in hospitals rehabilitating. Rarely did we get visitors and only a few of the men in my orthopedic ward received a basket of goodies or get-well expressions. The ward was stark in appearance, and the mood was one of uncertainty about our country's support for our sacrifices.
I am greatly encouraged in what I see today in the VA hospitals. No matter your political affiliation, we should all show our support for the citizen soldiers who served our nation so bravely and now return to their community to resume their lives. They have certainly earned our respect.
FRED TAYLOR
New Port Richey
The writer is a Vietnam veteran, three time Purple Heart recipient and Democratic candidate for Florida Senate, District 11.
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