Why Veterans are Important to our Nation's History and Future

On July 2 of this year America lost one of its most influential World War II veterans, Louis Zamperini. What made him so significant? After all, he was just one of many soldiers that managed to survive a horrific war; to keep hanging on to life even when it was at its bleakest, most depressing point. He was no an ace flyer or a noted general, just another airman. He is just one example of why veterans should be viewed as an important part of America's past and future.

The history of America begins with war. Men were willing to fight for the concept of a nation, a nation that relied on these brave soldiers to sacrifice their lives for freedom and liberty. This is the first instance we see the influence veterans had on our history. These veterans were once brave warriors enabling the birth of a new nation, a nation of freedoms and rights that were unknown to the current world. Some of these veterans went on to be our nation's leaders in the realms of business, science, and politics. Throughout history, veterans have not only defended America's freedom, but her ideals and morals. They have upheld the foundation of justice and liberty upon which America was founded. They have given an example of American values to the world.

Often the true test of veterans was not on the battlefield, but after the war was over and they returned to the civilian world. Many veterans had to overcome feelings of depression, worthlessness, and uselessness. They had to find a new purpose for living, and their success at finding it is evident in history. Instead of letting the horrors they had witnessed bring them down, they were strengthened by a deep desire to live. The strength and resilience of veterans fortified America, and was a contributor to making America the successful nation she is today.

As noted earlier, Louis Zamperini became a very influential man in America because of his ability to forgive some of the most horrible and despicable men that were involved in World War II. Zamperini was captured in Japan which led to his imprisonment and brutal torture at the hands of the Japanese prison keepers. Zamperini managed to survive the terrible beatings, and unsanitary conditions of the prison camp long enough to be rescued and returned to America. His amazing forgiveness did not come right way. He struggled quite a lot with bitterness and anger, but that all changed when he made a spiritual decision at a Billy Graham crusade. Through God's grace he was able to forgive, often in person, the men who tortured and starved him in that prison camp in Japan. His amazing forgiveness is what made him so effective, and that impact will carry on through generations.

Veterans' importance to America's future is manifested in the inspiration by veterans of family, friends, and society. Veterans symbolize courage, strength, loyalty, and sacrifice, and these ideals are communicated to their families. These principles continue to be passed down through generations, affecting society well into the future. Today's young people need these great examples of people who were willing to do what was right no matter what it cost them. Zamperini realized this, and he founded the Victory Boy's Camp for boys who had a difficult childhood and were usually familiar with juvenile prisons and detention centers. When Zamperini was not working in his camp, he was telling people his story, whether in a classroom or a news studio. A veteran's ability to influence good habits and characteristics in today's young people and future generations makes them very important to our nation's future.

I believe that veterans have had and continue to have a very important part in America. Without veterans, we would not even have America. It is their continued commitment to their country that holds America together when things seem hopeless. Veterans are a valuable group of individuals, and Americans would do well to understand their importance, both in America's history and future.