Memorial Day has come and gone, proper honor and respect were made across our great
country. We all thought about and prayed for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Our heroes should never be forgotten, every day should be Memorial Day. Each life
lost is a sacred thing, and the list grows longer each day.
The American Cold War Veterans are very much aware of this, we feel the pain, our
thoughts and prayers go to each family that lost a loved one, as well as those
who are injured or maimed. Any one is one too many.
Yet we have another request; another day added to the calender to honor veterans.
We are still pushing for a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day, which we almost had
this year.
The House passed unanimously H.Res.900
In the House of Representatives, U. S.,
March 21, 2010.
Whereas the Cold War involved hundreds of military exercises and operations that occurred between September 2, 1945, and December 26, 1991;
Whereas millions of Americans valiantly stood watch as members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War; and
Whereas many Americans sacrificed their lives during the Cold War in the cause of defeating communism and promoting world peace and stability: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) honors the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals.
While the American Cold War Veterans were pleased and thank the House of Representatives
for this bill, it fell just a little bit short; it did not actually specify a day
when these activities were to take place.
So please contact your elected officials and ask them to introduce legislation that
would create a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day. We had been asking for May 1, since
several individual states have declared May 1 as Cold War Victory Day.
There has been some opposition to this date, the old "Russian May Day", the date is tied to unions, etc. another date may be more palatable to the powers in Washington.
Some have suggested Nov 11 or other dates. While we would prefer May 1, we may have
to bow to pressures upon our elected officials and accept something different.
And that brings to my mind..who remembers that May 8,is V-E day,or Victory in Europe.
Then depending on actual facts August 15 or September 2 is V-J Day or Victory over Japan. August 15 is the day Japan surrendered, and September 2 is when the treaty was signed.
Sad to say that these events are not mentioned on most calenders. One has to ask why?
Are we as a country ashamed that we won WWII? Are we as a nation afraid to say that
we did defeat our enemy?
Could that be part of the reason for no Cold War Veteran Recognition Day? Are we
ashamed that we won the Cold War? Do we not want to antagonize our one-time enemy, even
though the Soviet Union no longer exists?
It is time to stand up, to recognize and honor the Cold War Veterans of our country,
without them the world would be a different place. Or possibly there would be no
world if the wrong finger had been on the button. We were always close to assured
mutual destruction, nuclear war and the end of the world.
So let us now thank these brave men and women, tell Congress to authorize the Cold War
Service Medal; which is in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization
Act 2011. Ask them to cosponsor and vote yes on S.2743 and H.R. 4051, identical bills
The Cold War Service Medal Act 2009; we need more cosponsors to ensure Cold Warriors
finally receive some honor and respect. And ask them to create a Cold War Veteran Recognition Day.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"
Showing posts with label Cold War veterans day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cold War veterans day. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Did you serve in the military between Sept. 1945 to Dec. 1991
A special notice to all veterans who served in the military from Sept. 1945 to Dec. 1991, the era of the Cold War.
On April 28th, 2010 The American Cold War Veterans will hold their annual meeting
in the Dirksen Senate Building Room SD-G11 from 1:30PM till 4:00PM.
Scheduled speakers include Mr. Lee Edwards; A Distinguished Fellow of the Heritage Foundation, Chairman of the Victims of Communism, and author or editor of more than 20
books.
Major Wulf Lindenau (RET) Senior Vice Commander General of the Military Order of Foreign
Wars of the United States.
Reports concerning progress on authorization of a Cold War Service Medal,
A National Day of Recognition for Cold War Veterans, and a memorial dedicated to Cold
War Veterans.
We are also attempting to ensure equal treatment and rights for ALL veterans through
the Veterans Administration, to reduce or eliminate section eight requirements.
At the conclusion of the general meeting we will regroup in Arlington National Cemetery
Section 34 to hold a memorial service for fallen heroes of the Cold War and place
flowers on some of the graves of the Forgotten Heroes of the Cold War.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"
On April 28th, 2010 The American Cold War Veterans will hold their annual meeting
in the Dirksen Senate Building Room SD-G11 from 1:30PM till 4:00PM.
Scheduled speakers include Mr. Lee Edwards; A Distinguished Fellow of the Heritage Foundation, Chairman of the Victims of Communism, and author or editor of more than 20
books.
Major Wulf Lindenau (RET) Senior Vice Commander General of the Military Order of Foreign
Wars of the United States.
Reports concerning progress on authorization of a Cold War Service Medal,
A National Day of Recognition for Cold War Veterans, and a memorial dedicated to Cold
War Veterans.
We are also attempting to ensure equal treatment and rights for ALL veterans through
the Veterans Administration, to reduce or eliminate section eight requirements.
At the conclusion of the general meeting we will regroup in Arlington National Cemetery
Section 34 to hold a memorial service for fallen heroes of the Cold War and place
flowers on some of the graves of the Forgotten Heroes of the Cold War.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc
"We Remember"
Monday, March 22, 2010
Cold War Veterans Recognition Day
It seems as though we were given a pat on the back and a slap in the face at the same time.
H.RES.900 did pass the House with no nay votes, but the date May 1 was removed. So now
we have to do another push to get a date attached to actually celebrate.
Plus we still have to push on S.2743 AND H.R.4051 The Cold War Medal Act 2009. Please
continue to contact both of your Senators and your Representatives to ask them to cosponsor, have the bill embedded in the NDAA 2011 and vote for passage when it reaches
the floor.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
H.RES.900 did pass the House with no nay votes, but the date May 1 was removed. So now
we have to do another push to get a date attached to actually celebrate.
Plus we still have to push on S.2743 AND H.R.4051 The Cold War Medal Act 2009. Please
continue to contact both of your Senators and your Representatives to ask them to cosponsor, have the bill embedded in the NDAA 2011 and vote for passage when it reaches
the floor.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Sunday, March 21, 2010
The House passes H.RES.900 Cold War Veterans Recognition Day
The House has passed H.RES.900 to designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day
6:03 P.M. -
Considered as unfinished business.
H. Res. 900:
supporting the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War and encouraging the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 161).
Passed 294 to 0
Now to get it in the Senate. Ask your Senators to introduce legislation similar to this
in the Senate.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
6:03 P.M. -
Considered as unfinished business.
H. Res. 900:
supporting the goals and ideals of a Cold War Veterans Recognition Day to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by members of the Armed Forces during the Cold War and encouraging the people of the United States to participate in local and national activities honoring the sacrifices and contributions of those individuals
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll No. 161).
Passed 294 to 0
Now to get it in the Senate. Ask your Senators to introduce legislation similar to this
in the Senate.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Bill to honor Cold War Vets delayed
Congressman Steve Israel yesterday made an impassioned plea to honor Cold War Veterans
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzC5hRuXBcg&feature=channel
After 40 minutes of debate a vote was called for. After the vote, the Chair decided
that further action on the motion would be postponed.
This does not look good for a bill many of us have worked long and hard to make it
come to fruition.
Contact your Representative urge them to cosponsor H.RES.900 AND H.R.4051 The Cold War
Service Medal Act 2009.
Ask them to vote for passage on both of these bills which are very important to all veterans.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzC5hRuXBcg&feature=channel
After 40 minutes of debate a vote was called for. After the vote, the Chair decided
that further action on the motion would be postponed.
This does not look good for a bill many of us have worked long and hard to make it
come to fruition.
Contact your Representative urge them to cosponsor H.RES.900 AND H.R.4051 The Cold War
Service Medal Act 2009.
Ask them to vote for passage on both of these bills which are very important to all veterans.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Unsung Heroes That Won The Cold War
From the Clark County Conservative
http://lewwaters.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/unsung-heroes-that-won-the-cold-war/
Unsung Heroes That Won The Cold War
By lewwaters
Once again we prepare to honor those who have served in all of our wars, paying special homage to those who did not return from our wars. Nearly all of us who served in combat zones over our history view those whose names are etched in stone on the many Veterans Memorials as the true heroes of our conflicts.
Viet Nam is labeled as “America’s Longest War” due to our involvement in that country from 1950 to the fall of Saigon in 1975. That 25 years pales when considering that after World War Two, we began engagement in a much longer war, but a more quiet war, a war where our Troops did not fire weapons at the enemy but stood at the ready nonetheless, training for a battle that never materialized.
The “Cold War” was fought with political conflict, military tension, and economic competition with the increasingly threatening build up of the most brutal weapons known to mankind that never were used.
That war lasted 46 years, 1945 to 1991 and was manned by many millions of heroes who often fought boredom in lonely outposts in the Arctic, walked along a fenced border in Europe or flew many hours circling in pre-staging areas armed with nuclear weapons awaiting the order to return any attack against our nation from the very formidable enemy we fought against, the Soviet Union and the oppressive stranglehold that ideology had on so many European countries as they attempted to spread their influence on peaceful nations.
East German Fence
While the world sat on the brink of nuclear annihilation and moved as close as it ever has during the early 1960’s, it never saw the feared nuclear confrontation between the two superpowers, in spite of our engagements in both the Korean and Viet Nam wars.
On November 9, 1989 the world witnessed the beginning of the end of the Soviet Empire as a wall built to divide the city of Berlin Germany came crumbling down, opened by citizens of the divided city who longed to be free and to freely visit relatives who lived on the free side of the city.
President Ronald Reagan’s infamous speech where he uttered the ominous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” two years earlier, saw their fulfillment. The wall dividing Berlin and the fence dividing the country opened up and freedom returned to that half of the country.
By December 1991, the world watched as the Soviet Union itself collapsed
Much credit was given to President Reagan for winning the Cold War, with some preferring to grant credit to President Jimmy Carter for starting the collapse in the late 1970’s.
Truth be known, all presidents who came along during the time of the Cold War continued policies set in motion by President Harry S. Truman shortly after World War Two. It was he who initiated the Berlin Airlift in 1948 to break the blockade of Berlin initiated by the Soviets to force allied powers out.
While we tend to give accolades to presidents and generals for victories, it is the hard work and extraordinary efforts of the common soldiers and officers who flew those planes, loaded and unloaded them and who directed aircraft safely in and out of Berlin that broke the blockade.
Likewise, as we feared invasions from communist nations close and far away or nuclear annihilation from ICBM attacks, it was the common soldiers who again manned sub-freezing temperatures across the northern hemisphere in lonely radar stations in what was called the DEW Line that kept vigil should a Soviet launch begin.
It was common men and women who sat in offices in front of monitors and screens watching 24 hours a day 7 days a week in undisclosed locations watching for any warning sign of a pending attack.
It was ordinary people who joined a peace-time Air Force and who manned bombers armed with nuclear weapons circling the edges of our nation 24 hours a day 7 days a week, leaving their posts only when a relief flight came up top take over.
It was people from all over the country, all races, all colors, descendants of all nationalities who enlisted out of high school or answered the call of the nation in the draft and who served their two years along the borders of Europe, the DMZ of South Korea, Japan, the Philippine Islands and lonely posts spread across the globe and prepared to fight off any enemy that would be foolish enough to try to conquer our nation from outside.
Some of these same people joined in the silent service of our Naval Forces, above and below the surface of the world’s oceans who, like the Air Force’s Strategic Air Command kept constant vigil far away from their homes to keep America and her inhabitants safe from oppression.
Many protected those of my generation who fought in Viet Nam and those who served elsewhere as we grew into adults and learned from their sense of duty to stand up to the oppression of communism and carry forth their vigilance.
As we approach this 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, it is to those Cold War Warriors who never had to face the enemy head-on, who didn’t have the chance to earn medals of valor, who may have never collected hazardous duty pay, but stood at the ready should they have been called that I dedicate this Veterans Day to this year.
It is to their service and sacrifice that supplied the deterrent we all took for granted that I recognize this year.
Whenever we may feel their contribution to our greatness as a nation was not worth as much as ours, remember the famous photo from 1961 of the East German Soldier leaping across the wire in Berlin to the free west as the city was being divided by the communists.
East German Soldier Leaping
To all my brothers and sisters who served throughout the Cold War, standing watch on cold and miserable nights around the world, well done. Your steadfastness and readiness is what won the Cold War. Your combat may have been boredom, but you stood watch, keeping America safe, always at the ready.
“A veteran – whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The ‘United States of America’, for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.’” (Author unknown)
Thank you too all who served.
Posted by:
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
http://lewwaters.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/unsung-heroes-that-won-the-cold-war/
Unsung Heroes That Won The Cold War
By lewwaters
Once again we prepare to honor those who have served in all of our wars, paying special homage to those who did not return from our wars. Nearly all of us who served in combat zones over our history view those whose names are etched in stone on the many Veterans Memorials as the true heroes of our conflicts.
Viet Nam is labeled as “America’s Longest War” due to our involvement in that country from 1950 to the fall of Saigon in 1975. That 25 years pales when considering that after World War Two, we began engagement in a much longer war, but a more quiet war, a war where our Troops did not fire weapons at the enemy but stood at the ready nonetheless, training for a battle that never materialized.
The “Cold War” was fought with political conflict, military tension, and economic competition with the increasingly threatening build up of the most brutal weapons known to mankind that never were used.
That war lasted 46 years, 1945 to 1991 and was manned by many millions of heroes who often fought boredom in lonely outposts in the Arctic, walked along a fenced border in Europe or flew many hours circling in pre-staging areas armed with nuclear weapons awaiting the order to return any attack against our nation from the very formidable enemy we fought against, the Soviet Union and the oppressive stranglehold that ideology had on so many European countries as they attempted to spread their influence on peaceful nations.
East German Fence
While the world sat on the brink of nuclear annihilation and moved as close as it ever has during the early 1960’s, it never saw the feared nuclear confrontation between the two superpowers, in spite of our engagements in both the Korean and Viet Nam wars.
On November 9, 1989 the world witnessed the beginning of the end of the Soviet Empire as a wall built to divide the city of Berlin Germany came crumbling down, opened by citizens of the divided city who longed to be free and to freely visit relatives who lived on the free side of the city.
President Ronald Reagan’s infamous speech where he uttered the ominous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” two years earlier, saw their fulfillment. The wall dividing Berlin and the fence dividing the country opened up and freedom returned to that half of the country.
By December 1991, the world watched as the Soviet Union itself collapsed
Much credit was given to President Reagan for winning the Cold War, with some preferring to grant credit to President Jimmy Carter for starting the collapse in the late 1970’s.
Truth be known, all presidents who came along during the time of the Cold War continued policies set in motion by President Harry S. Truman shortly after World War Two. It was he who initiated the Berlin Airlift in 1948 to break the blockade of Berlin initiated by the Soviets to force allied powers out.
While we tend to give accolades to presidents and generals for victories, it is the hard work and extraordinary efforts of the common soldiers and officers who flew those planes, loaded and unloaded them and who directed aircraft safely in and out of Berlin that broke the blockade.
Likewise, as we feared invasions from communist nations close and far away or nuclear annihilation from ICBM attacks, it was the common soldiers who again manned sub-freezing temperatures across the northern hemisphere in lonely radar stations in what was called the DEW Line that kept vigil should a Soviet launch begin.
It was common men and women who sat in offices in front of monitors and screens watching 24 hours a day 7 days a week in undisclosed locations watching for any warning sign of a pending attack.
It was ordinary people who joined a peace-time Air Force and who manned bombers armed with nuclear weapons circling the edges of our nation 24 hours a day 7 days a week, leaving their posts only when a relief flight came up top take over.
It was people from all over the country, all races, all colors, descendants of all nationalities who enlisted out of high school or answered the call of the nation in the draft and who served their two years along the borders of Europe, the DMZ of South Korea, Japan, the Philippine Islands and lonely posts spread across the globe and prepared to fight off any enemy that would be foolish enough to try to conquer our nation from outside.
Some of these same people joined in the silent service of our Naval Forces, above and below the surface of the world’s oceans who, like the Air Force’s Strategic Air Command kept constant vigil far away from their homes to keep America and her inhabitants safe from oppression.
Many protected those of my generation who fought in Viet Nam and those who served elsewhere as we grew into adults and learned from their sense of duty to stand up to the oppression of communism and carry forth their vigilance.
As we approach this 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, it is to those Cold War Warriors who never had to face the enemy head-on, who didn’t have the chance to earn medals of valor, who may have never collected hazardous duty pay, but stood at the ready should they have been called that I dedicate this Veterans Day to this year.
It is to their service and sacrifice that supplied the deterrent we all took for granted that I recognize this year.
Whenever we may feel their contribution to our greatness as a nation was not worth as much as ours, remember the famous photo from 1961 of the East German Soldier leaping across the wire in Berlin to the free west as the city was being divided by the communists.
East German Soldier Leaping
To all my brothers and sisters who served throughout the Cold War, standing watch on cold and miserable nights around the world, well done. Your steadfastness and readiness is what won the Cold War. Your combat may have been boredom, but you stood watch, keeping America safe, always at the ready.
“A veteran – whether active duty, retired, national guard, or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to The ‘United States of America’, for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.’” (Author unknown)
Thank you too all who served.
Posted by:
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
"We Remember"
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