VETERANS ARE FEELING FORGOTTEN

Veterans Day has become a lost holiday to most Americans, area veterans say.

Most people give little thought to the nation's former soldiers, they say.

"Most of them don't give a damn," said World War II veteran Herb Nance of Cape Girardeau.

Nance owns a business that sells American flags. He said many veterans are angry about the public's disinterest.

He said part of the problem rests with political leaders, many of whom have never served in the military.

Only 17 percent of U.S. House and Senate members are veterans, said Cape Girardeau resident Charles Thrower, who fought in Vietnam.

Thrower was wounded in a skirmish near the demilitarized zone in February 1971. He was awarded a Purple Heart.

Thrower is the senior vice commander in Missouri for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He will become the state commander of the veterans organization next June.

Americans haven't been on the patriotic bandwagon since the end of Desert Storm, said Thrower.

But area veterans said the roots of renewed local patriotism may rest with high school students at Cape Girardeau Central High School.

The high school's Renaissance group will present its second annual "Tribute to Veterans" this morning in the school auditorium. A number of veterans are expected to attend.

Teacher Julia Jorgensen is the Renaissance coordinator. She said the event promotes patriotism.

"Students come out having a clear concept of what is a veteran and veterans come out feeling honored,' she said.

The nation has some 20 million war veterans and the number is decreasing.

Many of the World War II veterans have died. The Cape Girardeau Veterans of Foreign Wars post has about 1,600 members. About 65 percent of them are World War II veterans, most of whom are in their mid-70s.

Many Vietnam War veterans are close to 50 years of age, Thrower said.

Veterans Day parades were a tradition in Cape Girardeau for years. But there won't be a parade in Cape Girardeau today. Public disinterest is at least partly to blame, local veterans said.

Few people showed up at last year's parade, Nance said.

Eddie Mueller, a Korean War veteran, is commander of the Cape Girardeau VFW post.

He said many veterans are just too old to walk in a parade and younger veterans often can't get off work.

Although Veterans Day is a federal holiday, it remains a work day for most Americans. Banks and government offices traditionally are closed, but it is business as usual for other employers.

Veterans Day honors the men and women who have served in this nation's military, and recognizes the armistice that ended World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

Mueller said Americans don't act as patriotic as they once did. "A lot of people talk about it, but that is all they do," he said.

Mueller is concerned that as the ranks of war veterans dwindle, more and more cities will eliminate Veterans Day ceremonies.

But he said that doesn't mean he wants the United States to fight another war. "I hate to see another big-time war come on because I just don't believe the boys now would dig in there like we did."

Sgt. Brent Byrd is a decorated veteran who served in the Marine Corps in the Persian Gulf War. "My infantry unit was hit by two Scud missiles and we had a couple casualties from friendly fire from coalition forces," he said.

Byrd enlisted in the Marines when he was 17. He served eight years. Today, the 26-year-old Byrd serves with the National Guard in Cape Girardeau.

Patriotism soared during the Gulf War and communities were quick to honor the returning soldiers as heroes.

Byrd said Americans used the occasion to honor all of the nation's war veterans.

Byrd said war today increasingly relies on technology instead of troops.

The Gulf War six years ago was short lived compared to the nation's earlier wars and there were relatively few casualties.

"I think people are just going to forget what it really takes to fight for your country," Byrd said.

LIST OF ACTIVITIES

Cape Girardeau

Central High School's Renaissance group will present "A Tribute to Veterans," 9:45 a.m., high school auditorium. Veterans from Cape Girardeau Veterans Home will attend.

Avenue of Flags at Cape County Park North.

American Legion will present a new flag to every classroom at L.J. Schultz School.

Jackson

Parade, 5 p.m., north on High Street to the American Legion Hall, Mary and North High. Retired Lt. Col. Charles Woodford will deliver a speech at the Legion Hall following the parade.

Perryville

Parade, 10 a.m., ending on the steps of the county courthouse. The Rev. Jerome Fortenberry will deliver a Veterans Day address from the courthouse steps.