Veterans Day 2016

I am writing this in the evening of Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, in advance of selecting our representatives for president and congress as well as state and local officials. While we can take pride in the fact that our electoral process is still functioning, polls show that this election of a president has been extremely contentious with the two least popular candidates in modern history. Their conduct has assured them they will remain unpopular.

Why am I using this column to write about this shameful election which has focused on who not to vote for? Ironically, this is also the week we pause to salute our military veterans. It is the military veterans who have defended the nation against our enemies as they have also obeyed their oath "to protect and defend the constitution." Who are these men and women who made this sacrifice? This excerpt is from a poem by Kenneth Birlin where he tries to identify those who have served. He lists the most famous of our nation's conflicts and then writes:

There were other conflicts

War of 1812, Mexican War, Granada, so many it's hard to remember

For every time my country called I served with pride

For I am an American Veteran

I do not want to be called a hero

For real heroes are those who gave their life

When you see me, just say thanks

For I am an American Veteran

Let us hope those elected will be worthy of the honor of representing all of us and in particular let their behavior show respect for the service of veterans who defended the nation and the constitution.

Jack Dragoni attended Boston College and served in the U.S. Army in Berlin and Vietnam. He lives in Chaffee, Missouri.