I sit by my River for solace. All week I have been feeling the feeling that now on Friday morning, April 5, 2002, I see written above the picture of Secretary Colin Powell and President Bush on the front of the Richmond Times Dispatch "The Future Is Dying". A few sections over is an award winning photo. It is the hand of Naval Officer Matt Williams reaching out to touch his three month old daughter whom he is seeing for the first time covered with an outer blanket made of the American flag. He has just arrived back aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt.

     From the first time a man went off to war to fight for America in the Revolutionary War to this day, every man and woman of every race that has gone forth to fight for America is a Veteran. They all went forth with courage and dedication so you and I may be free. Who are you to say which war was more important or necessary? The Veteran went because it was his or her duty. Who are you to say which Veteran deserves the most credit? They all deserve the same. The best we can give them. They went forth unashamed of America and glad to defend it. How ashamed Americans should feel that have not given them the proper respect and honor. Do not forget the Yankee Veteran, the Confederate Veteran, the Vietnam Veteran, the Korean Veteran, and the countless others in wars before and after. They were all Veterans, laying their lives on the line for us to be free. They're still out there as the world in its confusion and constant fighting makes headlines that read, "The Future is Dying". And the Veterans are dying and being wounded around the World for our America.

     I asked the phone company the other day if they knew we were at war. I had to pay one dollar a minute to talk to a special friend in the Army just two states away. Letters have not been going through and we are supposed to support our service men and women and lift their morale. How can we support our military personnel if our country is not united in their support of our cause? Our cause is just and Americans had best wake up, honor our Veterans and support our military of every war. We should give them our best.

     As I look at the little children around me it breaks my heart to read "The Future is Dying" when so many have given their lives that they might live. 

     Have you told a Veteran or Service person today that you love them? Are you waving your American flag proudly? Are you going to make this a true Memorial Day? 

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