Honor all vets equally

The last paragraph of your Nov. 13 editorial “Remember vets” singled out for special attention “those who fought for America half a century ago.”

You have only served to perpetuate the idea that somehow those who fought in World War II were more noble in their purpose that those who fought in the Civil War, World War I, the Korean War, the war in Vietnam, the Gulf War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The notion of “the Greatest Generation” has encouraged us to think that those who fought in other wars and who gave their last full measure of devotion to our country are somehow less worthy than those who fought in World War II. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

Every veteran has fought to preserve “the best of our nation.” It must be particularly painful for a veteran who has suffered the terrible wounds of these most recent wars to have others think that his or her sacrifice is less important than those who engaged in other conflicts.

We must think of every veteran as our brother and sister and provide to them the love and respect they so richly deserve. Let’s make it our purpose to concentrate laser-like on how well we are taking care of those who took care of us, no matter which war they fought in. But it is my assumption that veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan are not receiving the attention that is their inalienable right. We must see that they do by holding our politicians and institutions accountable.