Has Veterans Day been replaced with day off, sales at malls?
CONNELLSVILLE – The sacrifices made by those wearing U.S. military uniforms appear to be forgotten by some, according to a county veteran. Desert Storm war veteran, former Fayette County Director of Veterans Affairs and current county American Legion Commander Rob Hixson told senior citizens Thursday that the honoring of past and present service of soldiers on Veterans Day has been replaced with sales at the local mall and other activities.
Hixson was the keynote speaker at the center’s annual tribute to veterans.
The men and women that fought for our freedom, said Hixson, have to decide today whether to purchase their medication or purchase groceries.
“They find that the nest eggs that they managed to save is not nearly enough to sustain them or leave anything for their children and grandchildren,” said Hixson. “These are the same people that the government promised to take care of.
“It is ironic that our nation can help people around the world in need, but forget those in our own backyard.”
Hixson said that those that previously served have secured the future for everyone.
“We tend to forget that if it were not for our veterans, future generations of Americans would not be able to dream,” he said. “They would be told what they were to become and how they were going to live their lives.”
To many, said Hixson, Veterans Day is not recognized.
Now a student at the California University of Pennsylvania, he said that he will be required to attend classes and unable to take part in Veterans Day activities to pay tribute to his fellow soldiers. To others, it is an opportunity to take advantage of Veterans Day sales at the local mall.
“We owe our past and present veterans a debt of gratitude,” said Hixson.
Also taking part in the ceremony was U.S. Army National Guard Spec. Justin Shallenberger, a member of Company B, 1st Battalion, 103rd Armor unit based in Connellsville.
Shallenberger returned with 30 other members of the unit last week after serving a year-long tour of duty in Iraq. Other unit members are due to return today.
American Legion posts 301 and 762 along with members of VFW Post 21, Connellsville Area Senior High School bugler Andy Giles and the Rev. Marvin Watson also took part in the ceremony.