Remember the veterans

Keota, Iowa

May 15, 2009

To the editor:

    On a spring day like this, we?d like to forget about war and believe that this country will never again be engaged in an armed conflict. God willing, it will be true.

    There are many who would put all memory of war behind us, closing that chapter of history and confining it to a few pages of a history book.

    That would be a mistake because we learn from history. If we forget about those wars and the millions who died while serving their country ? whether they volunteered or were drafted ? we?d be making a great mistake. The American Legion Auxiliary?s Poppy Day reminds America of the sacrifice of millions of lives in war ? that the price of war in human life is high. As long as we remember this, we will never, ever rush headlong into a conflict.

    Poppy Day sends a message to America?s veterans of all wars ? World Wars One and Two, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada/Lebanon, Panama and Persian Gulf ? that they are respected for serving their country ? for risking their lives in a way that we at home have never known.

    Wear a poppy on Poppy Day and show that you, too, honor the millions who served America.

    They served for you. They died for you. Can you forget them?

    Sincerely,

Dorothy Pforts,

Poppy Chairman, Legion Auxiliary Unit # 29