Aug 21, 2006 By The Greene County Messenger 3 min read

Last week, roughly 400 men from the state House of Representatives’ 50th District – advancing in age, accompanied by grandkids and walkers – were honored for their service during World War II and the Korean War. The veterans’ recognition ceremony was one of many across the state sponsored by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Here in the “Fightin’ Fiftieth,” state Rep. H. William DeWeese, in his usual verbose style, offered his rendition of their service and then presented each veteran with a medal and certificate. In some cases, a family member or widow was presented in place of a deceased veteran.

In between DeWeese’s opening remarks and the presentation of the medals, the VFW Post 47 National Band led a spirited rendition of “God Bless America.”

As the first few notes rang out, a few proud men in their 80’s rose from their chairs with the stiffness from military service from a half-century ago and showed the assembled family, friends, reporters and politicians what patriotism looks like.

And it didn’t resemble a yellow ribbon magnet.

And it didn’t resemble a campaign mailer.

While this newspaper wholeheartedly endorses efforts to praise, remember and honor members of the “Greatest Generation,” Saturday’s event, and those across the state, smell a little funny-and it’s not Gold Bond Medicated Powder we’re talking about.

Our biggest issue with the state House’s effort is its timing.

The official explanation is that the decision to hold these ceremonies across the commonwealth was a bi-partisan scheme – er, we mean idea – to celebrate the 60th anniversary of when troops began returning from the front at the end of WWII.

Oh, it just happens to be a few months before the general election, but that’s just a coincidence, we’re sure.

As far as anniversaries of WWII, this one is a bit of a stretch. Add on to the fact that this summer coincides with no notable dates from the Korean War and it even further stinks of political pandering.

To make matters worse, Saturday’s event concluded with group photos featuring DeWeese and the assembled vets. While we haven’t attended other state representative’s veterans’ ceremonies, we’re sure they included group photos, too.

Couldn’t our state reps at least make an attempt to not make it so transparent that they just want to fill their campaign brochures?

Yes, these men and women who sacrificed and fought and struggled through the greatest conflict our nation has ever seen should always be lifted up, but is it right to honor them just for the opportunity to pose and primp for voters?

To do our part, here’s a line we suggest our state reps can use to beef up those mailers: Our aging veterans are to be honored, not exploited.