Thanksgiving, what a wonderful time to reflect, to give thanks for so many blessings bestowed upon this great country. This week as we give thanks let us not forget to say “Thank You” to the millions of Veterans who gave so much and for millions who gave their all. We are truly indebted to our Veterans who made and molded America’s history, to protect the freedoms that we hold so dear, who brought peace and liberty around the world. They did so through their selflessness, their courage, their patriotism, their love of God and Country and with their blood. Wars are brutal, the Vietnam War, one of the most tumultuous periods in history. Almost 3 million United States Military personnel served in Vietnam, 58,318 died there and about 1,584 missing in Action. Out of those 710 were Oregon soldiers who were Killed in Action. Four Oregon families lost two sons in Vietnam, and several were Missing in Action or captured and became Prisoners of War. Most of the Vietnam Warriors who came back were never welcomed. Many were ridiculed and attacked for honoring the call of their nation. These men and women gave their all, many feeling isolated in a society changed by social distancing, wounded, many with PTSD or ill effects from Agent Orange, some unable to cope with life. Let us not abandon these Veterans. Let us come together to honor all who served during the Vietnam Era, especially those who gave their life forfeiting their American Dream so that we can live ours.
There are several ways to help: smile.amazon.com or https://www.fredmeyer.com/topic/community-rewards-4/#! and connect to the Vietnam War Fund; like us on Facebook or make a donation at https://www.facebook.com/VietnamWarMemorialFund/ or https://www.facebook.com/OregonCapitolVietnamMemorial/ or become involved in the BottleDrop (Recycling Blue Bag) program, as we support the Vietnam War Memorial Fund and their campaign to build a Vietnam War Memorial on Oregon’s Capital Grounds, enabling state resident to understand the struggles of the Vietnam Veterans and perpetuate the history and the memory of the Vietnam War for generations to come.
Today as you give thanks, take a minute to “Thank” a Veteran and his family, let them know they are not abandoned, raise the American Flag, make a donation to a veteran’s charity, or hire a VET. Above all, let us not forget that we would not be living in a country that grants us so many freedoms if not for the Veterans who stepped up when their country called. We call them our nation’s greatest asset. Help the Rotary Club of Salem Creekside honor our Veterans.