Paul Sassone

I suppose it is understandable how Memorial Day and Veterans Day can sometimes become jumbled in our mind.

Both days are important. Both days honor the men and women who have served our country.

But Memorial Day is the more somber observance since it remembers those who died in the service of the United States.

Veterans Day Day — Nov. 11 — honors and celebrates all who have served. And we should never forget that those who survive serving in the military and the United States’ wars — declared or undeclared — pay a price.

Death may be the untimate price. But servicemen and servicewomen pay in other ways, in physical and emotional injury.

I have a letter from a man who served and was wounded during World War II. Dated Nov. 25, 1944, the sergeant wrote to his sister from some dangerous Pacific island he was not allowed to name.

The letter read, in part:

“No, I haven’t received any Xmas packages as yet and I sure hope I do. Anything at all will come in handy, it seems as if I am always hungry. Whenever I get in a place like this it seems I always want some candy, so I hope there’s some in the packages.

“We see many dogfights and air raids. The raids make a fellow jumpy. When I get home every noise I hear I’ll probably jump. I was just wondering whether I’ll ever see home again. I’ve had a few close calls, don’t worry everything is okay …

“You’d be surprised , a man’s life don’t mean a thing. When you’re dead you’re soon forgotten. All they say is he was swell guy. After the war who’s to know whether you were overseas or not … If a man tells you he’s not scared he’s a damned liar. As far as living like human beings is concerned, we don’t. A pig is probably better off. Sometimes I think a guy is better off dead. Oh well, just to get home in one piece and I’ll be satisfied.

“Well I guess I’ll sign off for now. Sure hope I can write a more cheerful letter next time. Guess it’s about time to wish you all a Merry Christmas. So long — stay happy.”

You’ll be happy to know that sergeant did get home in one piece, though with a bullet wound in his knee. He lived a good life and was much loved.

But, as you can see from his letter, he paid a price.

We should remember and honor that price and the price paid by all who serve the United States, not just on Veterans Day but every day.

–We should remember, honor veterans every day–