The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, will honor all living and dead American disabled war veterans, "regardless of conflict".
I could not help but think back to the Civil War. None of the images I saw connected to this memorial seem to be of the Civil War era. Yet, this war made our country, for better or worse (actually, both, in my opinion), what it is today. I hope that the intent of this memorial is to honor the brave men and women (yes, women) who fought on both sides of our United States Civil War.
What happened when the wounded vets, many of them amputees due to the state of battlefield medicine in the 1860's, ccame back home after the war concluded in 1865? Have you ever wondered?
How many wounded veterans of the war returned? A lot. They numbered in the hundreds of thousands.
Experiences differed somewhat for the veterans of the former Confederacy and the veterans of the Union Army. The Union disabled veterans suffered, but one advantage they had was being on the winning side of the war.
The disabled Confederate veterans were banned from getting much, if any, help from the United States government (including the granting of pensions to the disabled) by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. (This was remedied in law in 1958, but by then, most anyone eligible for help had died.) They, and their hometowns (many reduced to rubble as the war was fought mainly in the South), suffered terribly.
My father, as my regular blog readers know, was a disabled veteran of World War II. My ancestors did not come to the United States until the 20th century, so I had no blood relatives in the Civil War (to the best of my knowledge.) But, due to my experiences growing up as the daughter of a disabled veteran, I hope that the intent of this memorial extends to those who fought in this domestic war of family against family.
Such a valued topic to blog about as I imagine there are at least thousands, if not millions or may be at the rate we're going. <3
ReplyDeleteSadly, you are most probably correct.
DeleteI think it's a wonderful tribute to the men and women who have served our country, but I can't help but think that a memorial just doesn't do them enough justice.
ReplyDeleteHelp veterans (and their families) regain dignity by providing the help they need to replace lost limbs as a result of service. OR, help the loved ones left behind because a veteran gave his or her life as a price for our continued freedom.
A memorial is great... but I do think more could be done to honor veterans than a fountain surrounded by trees and the American flag.
Bonnie, as the daughter of a disabled World War II vet, I agree with you 1000%.
DeleteSo true, The most important thing to the veterans is their family. The government must give them full support. They deserve it.
ReplyDeleteI always learn a great deal about American history from your posts.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad to think that they were not given much help...A memorial and help is what is needed...More support I guess
ReplyDeleteRandom Thoughts Naba..It Cost more than One Life..