Happier Veterans Day to Patton’s Army

On November 11, 2015 we celebrate two important events: Veterans Day, and birthday of General George Patton.

Initially, the Armistice Day was established to reflect upon sacrifices of World War I Veterans; in 1954, November 11^th became a day to honor American Veterans of all wars. Today, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs defines the holiday as:”A celebration to honor America’s Veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

When we honor our Veterans’ past, can we forget about their present and their future?

George Patton was born in San Gabriel, California on November 11, 1885.The General probably wouldn’t appreciate a tearful trip down the memory lane, because he considered that “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”

It is sure that the native of California would be shocked and furious to discover that his home state is today the nation’s capital of Veterans’ homelessness. Patton would most definitely make sure that VA “gets some education in about 30 seconds” and he’d say a little prayer:

“May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won’t.”

In human rights sense, term “vulnerable population” refers to “the disadvantaged sub-segment of the community, requiring utmost care, specific ancillary considerations and augmented protection.” How comes that country’s most deserving citizens are today a vulnerable population, 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans?

In “Target Patton”, military historian Robert Wilson claims that General Donovan, the head of

Office of Strategic Services said:”We’ve got a terrible situation with this great patriot, he’s out of control and we must save him from himself and from ruining everything the allies have done.”

Well, Patton is still leading us, and his 1944 remarks are still actual today:

“Don’t forget, you don’t know I’m here. No word of the fact is to be mentioned in any letters. The world is not supposed to know what the hell became of me. I’m not supposed to be commanding this Army. /…/ Someday I want them to raise up on their hind legs and howl, “Ach, it’s the goddamn Third Army and that SOB Patton again.”

A nation blessed with great warriors is never alone, never without leadership, and has no right to give up. General Patton considered that everyone has an important role in the quest for victory and freedom. No matter the job, the General’s order is the same: “continue to advance until you run out of ammunition. Then, dig in”

 The celebration of Veterans Day means parades, speeches and promises. Meanwhile our homeless heroes need shelter, food and security. The ceremony of wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns will stay meaningless as long as our Veterans sleep on Skid Row, eat from garbage cans and are subjected to hate crimes.

What did Patton think about parades?

“For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting.”

Patton’s soldiers no matter Vietnam, Korea or Afghanistan era have never been allowed to retire; they are fighting for survival and for freedom, this time on domestic ground.

Make no mistake: no matter how exhausted, they’ll demand respect for American flag.

No matter the sacrifice, they just shrug their shoulders and humbly say: I’m just keeping my oath.

Happier Veterans Day to you: our heroes. General Patton said: “It is the unconquerable nature of man and not the nature of the weapon he uses that ensures victory.” You prove him right.

Whenever a politician dares to brag: “My military”, a patriot will dare to remind:

My Veterans.

We are standing by you.

Joanna Rosamond