In the 1940s, few women worked outside the home. Most, when they married, promised to "love, honor, and obey" their husbands. One plucky Massachusetts woman, however, decided to enlist in the Women's Army Corps, and then tell her husband! That woman was this writer's mother. As a child of the 1950s, I often heard my mother recount the stories of her wartime exploits, despite the fact that they all happened either at Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., or at Fort Bragg, N.C., and not in any of the war theaters.
But she was fiercely proud of her service and that of her family members. Her brother fought on Guadalcanal, and her father fought in the Philippine Insurrection during the Spanish-American War. World War II was the central life event for her, and for others, whom we have now come to know as "The Greatest Generation."
As we honor all veterans this month, it is difficult to imagine how we would respond to such an all encompassing event. According to some statistics, during the Korean War, 54,246 soldiers were killed, and in the Vietnam War, 58,169 were lost, all precious to their families and nation. The first World War left 137,000 American soldiers dead. In World War II, the enormity of loss was staggering — over 400,000 lost. Only the American Civil War exceeded that total — more than 600,000 killed.
Sixty years after World War II, we continue to lose our veterans, now in their 80s and 90s, at a rate of more than 1,500 per day, and at the same time, we are also losing the people who kept things humming on the home front. Although most families had the reverse situation from mine, with a young man in service and women on the home front, some, like my dad, were too old for World War II, but too young for World War I. They still found ways to support the war effort. Many worked in defense plants, supplying our military with the tools of their trade. They built bombs, planes, and military vehicles, and conserved, donated or went without, so that our soldiers would be well supplied. These people are "veterans" of a different sort, but contributors nonetheless. While there are multiple ways to honor our service members, these folks' contributions are sometimes forgotten. But, if you have a family member who served in uniform, or served in some way on the home front, you can add their names to the World War II Registry at the World War II Memorial site at: http://www.cem.va.gov/index.asp.
When a veteran finally passes, the Veterans Administration has programs to honor them. A free burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate can be applied for, and there are national cemeteries across the country that can provide burial space and perpetual care for interred vets and family. For more information about burial in a national cemetery, visit http://www.cem.va.gov/index.asp.
If you know a veteran who is in need, there are veterans' agents in most cities and towns. On Cape Ann, to access the veterans agent for Rockport, call 978-546-5007; for Manchester, 978-526-2014; for Essex, 978-356-3915; and for Gloucester, 978-281-9740.
SeniorCare Inc. can also assist in finding assistance for veterans and other older Americans who may require help to live independently. Call it at 978-281-1750.
Regardless of our politics, as Americans, it is important to honor the people who served, and who serve today. Whether they are lost in battle, or lost to us many years after their return, each of their lives is precious and worthy of respect and gratitude.
Anne Springer is the public relations director of SeniorCare Inc., your local Area Agency on Aging. To reach SeniorCare, call 978-281-1750.
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