Veterans united in support of military, yet wary of war
?Peaceful efforts to disarm the Iraqi regime have failed again and again ? because we are not dealing with peaceful men.? President George W. Bush, during Monday?s address to the nation from the Cross Hall of the White House. The week may go down as one remembered in history. First there was a war of words between two presidents at the start of the week, with President George W. Bush issuing an ultimatum to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave Iraq and step down from power, or face military destruction.
That was followed Tuesday by an outright rejection hours after Bush?s speech, which appeared to be leading the U.S. down a path of war. The invasion of Iraq may start today, or in the coming days. This has stirred up feelings among veterans in the community, who seem to be united on two fronts. They don?t want to see a war, or to have servicemen and women die in conflict, but they believe the country needs to rally behind the troops.
VFW POST commander Richard Wright wants citizens in Presque Isle County to fly their American flags in support of the country and for everyone serving in the military. ?The flag police will be forgiving,? said Wright, who served in the Navy during the advisory period of the Vietnam conflict.
?Just show that flag, and the young men and women that are overseas. Write a letter. Put something in The Advance. Just show our support any way we can, so they don?t feel like they are being left out to dry ? that we are behind them 100 percent, and hopefully they?ll all come home,? said Wright. Nick Filipiak, who served in the Army?s 7th Calvary in Vietnam and was injured twice, said the protests at home angered him and he isn?t happy with what he?s been seeing recently in the country.
?I DON?T THINK it?s good for them (troops),? said Filipiak. ?That brings back a lot of soreness for me. To me it?s a foolish and a chicken s#@* way of doing things. Protesting and milling around in the streets doesn?t prove anything.? The president?s speech Monday brought back unpleasant memories for World War II veteran Frank Budnik of Posen.
?I went upstairs, in my little office (at home), and I started reading a magazine. In my mind, I recaptured December of 1941 when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. I got the same cold feeling. It kind of deadens your nerves,? said Budnik who served in the Navy on the USS Colorado in the Pacific Theater of the war.
BUDNIK?S THOUGHTS also drifted to his induction in the Navy in 1943 and the years he served through 1946. He was hopeful a war ?disaster? could be avoided.
?But by the same token if (Saddam) is supposed to be another Hitler, we better take care of it,? said Budnik. Commander Wright believes something has to be done, ?but there isn?t any barrel of oil that?s worth one 17-year-old?s life.?
?We don?t want another situation like Vietnam, where they became the enemy and not the political situation. My opinion is: support those men and women to the fullest,? said Wright.
?They are just doing an honorable job. They don?t have a choice. Once they raise their hand and take that oath, if they don?t do their job, in reality, they are probably facing a prison term,? added Wright.
?I AM CONVINCED that President Bush has done everything possible to disarm Iraq peacefully,? stated Ronald F. Conley, national commander of the American Legion. ?No one wants war. Those of us who have seen the face of war do not want to see such horror again ? not for our families ? and not for the families of others.? Conley, in a faxed press release, called on Americans to join with others in prayer for those in uniform and look for Blue Star Service banners in the home windows of family members who have someone serving in the military.
?This rekindled tradition reminds us that the war on terrorism touches every street and country lane in the land,? stated Conley. ?I am proud of the 2.8 million members of The American Legion who worked to bring this humble tradition back to life.?
PEOPLE WISHING to voice their appreciation for the troops can do so by volunteering, emailing or contributing to care packages, U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak. ?…Even if I have reservations about the president?s decision, I am behind our American troops 100 percent. More than anything, if and when war begins, ou
Filipiak said the objective of disposing the Iraqi dictator can?t be done ?hap-hazardly.? He said he has confidence in Bush in making the right decision and to keeping the country focused on the directive. It?ll be an important ingredient to keeping the country united at home and abroad.
by Peter Jakey , Managing Editor