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USO President Honors Veterans of the Past, Present and Future

November 08, 2007 10:22 AM Eastern Time

ARLINGTON, Va.--(EON:Enhanced Online News)--The following is a statement by Edward A. Powell, President/CEO,

USO World Headquarters:

Honoring Veterans of the Past, Present and Future

Many Americans today view military service as a tremendous honor and an opportunity to effect social and political change around the world. Yet this was not always the case in our country.

A little more than a generation ago – when I was on active duty in the Navy – many Americans seemed confused about their feelings about the Vietnam War and the US troops in the field. Those of us who served were blamed for policies implemented by presidents and members of Congress. Enlistees and officers alike were seen by many of our fellow citizens as complicit in what some considered an illegal or immoral action in Southeast Asia.

Today, however, as our nation continues to debate the war in Iraq and the policies proposed to execute it, many of us are also focused on the most important component of the war - our troops. Whether or not invading Iraq was the correct decision, whether or not our presence created Al Qaeda in Iraq or attracted them or emboldened other enemies, there is a universal concern among Americans regarding the welfare our troops and bringing them home safely, and a recognition of the sacrifices these men and women make to ensure we are safe at home.

November 11, Veterans Day, provides us with the chance to recognize not only military veterans past and present, but also tomorrow’s veterans - those who, when they return home become our living heroes of the future. Honoring our service members properly is the reason for Veterans Day. And all Americans, no matter their stance on this current war, have the opportunity to extend their appreciation beyond taking the day off from work, or attending a ceremony or parade.

Not everyone knows how to express support for the sacrifice these men, women and their families make on our behalf. The USO provides that opportunity. At the USO, we devote our lives to serving the men and women of the military. Our sole focus is to show them that America supports them. Since the days following the September 11 attacks, the nation has rallied behind the USO in what it sensed would be a quickly expanding operation around the world.

Our supporters - and we rely on the generosity of donors, not government funding - have allowed us to open new USO centers around the world and expand our programs and services. For more than 66 years, donors have given to the USO to support the men and women who risk their futures in order to ensure ours.

I think a lot about that support, and I am especially reminded of it on Veterans Day. I ask that we continue to remember those who serve and sacrifice, defending the freedom that we hold dear because that freedom comes to us at a cost.

But, while the cost of this war is immeasurable, there have always been brave individuals willing to bear that burden for the rest of us. Those of us at the USO - our staff of about 300 and more than 25,000 volunteers - see them every day; and we try to offer the comforts of home while consistently delivering the message that their country loves them and that we hold them in our hearts.

Our sense of responsibility as U.S. citizens to offer unequivocal support for the men and women who have volunteered to serve in the military is not in dispute. Every day, one of the greatest assets we have are the military personnel who serve as America’s guardians.

Our soldiers ask so little of us. Yet they give so much. All they ask of us is to be remembered and respected for the difficult and demanding work they do. It’s the least we can do.