Recent Independence Day celebrations featured the boom and exploding colors of fireworks set to the music of our national anthem, with clothes and decorations sporting red, white and blue, with stars and stripes abounding. Patriotism swells in our hearts and tears may come to our eyes as we hear the lyrics:
I’m proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today…

But would most people “defend Her still today”?

While national holidays remind us of the freedoms we enjoy, the number of Americans who actually raise their hands to serve our country continues to decline.

Four-star General David Petraeus, a 37-year Army Veteran who served as a commander in Afghanistan and headed the Central Intelligence Agency before retiring in 2012, lamented the decreasing interest in military service among today’s young adults. Recalling that his own family and even teachers were less than supportive of his decision to attend the United States Military Academy West Point, Petraeus wrote in a recent article: “I could easily write a theme defending West Point and the military…it is actually statistically much harder to enlist in the military than it is to get admitted to college, that serving the nation is a challenge that all able-bodied men should at least consider for a host of reasons.”

Saying that “entirely too many Americans have no idea what kind of burdens our military is bearing,” Petraeus shared the following statistics:

• In World War II, 11.2% of the nation's population served for four years.
• During the Vietnam era, 4.3% of the nation's population served over 12 years.
• Since 2001, only 0.45% of the population has served in the Global War on Terrorism.

While the number of Americans serving has declined, those of us who do or did serve can take great pride in our decision to join the military. I think you will agree with me that serving our country is an honor.

As General Petraeus summarized: “You do what the greatest men and women of this country have done since 1775. YOU SERVED. Just that decision alone makes you part of an elite group.”

All of us at the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs are honored to serve those who have served. Thank YOU for your service!

As always, if you need information or support on any Veteran issue, please visit our website, contact your County Veterans Service Officer, or contact LinkVet at 1-888-LinkVet.