President Obama at West Point Speech

Last Saturday President Obama spoke at the commencement ceremony at West Point.
During his speech the President touched on many subjects concerning the military and
its role in the world.

He made a very brief comment about the Cold War, stating that we won. That in itself was
good to hear, at least he acknowledged in part what we as Cold Warriors faced.

But near the end of his speech he made a statement that rubbed a sore spot that all Cold War Veterans have had to endure for too long.

His statement that the Berlin Wall fell "without a shot being fired", while technically
true; no shots were fired as the wall fell. But it also seemed to imply that the Cold War
was without incident, a fact that we all know is far from the truth.

Shots were exchanged during the Cold War: Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Granada, Panama Canal, Haiti, the Congo and other "hot spots". Our planes were shot down by Communist forces.

Who can forget the USS Liberty, the USS Pueblo(still held captive by North Korea), USS Scorpion(sank with all hands aboard under still mysterious circumstances).

There were many incidents to disprove that line of thinking. Lives were lost, we
faced a brutal enemy, and to say no shot were fired is like an insult to those who
gave their lives to protect freedom, and the American way of life.

President Obama, as Senator Obama, at least two times said that A Cold War Victory
Medal is deserved, and that he would consider signing legislation.

Now we ask you Mr. President, will you authorize a Cold War Medal by executive order?
You can do it. Do not forget your promise, and do not neglect Cold War Veterans.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"