Businesses support soldiers
Since the Vietnam War (some say conflict, but the reality is that it was a war) our young people have become more and more lethargic about patriotism. War was an evil word best not said because of Vietnam. The flag and the stars and stripes became a dim symbol; patriotism was placed on a back, dusty shelf as a way to forget the pain of Vietnam. Many chose to equate patriotism with that lost war and put it in the basement as a way of forgetting or blocking out the whole episode.
The war on terrorism and the attack in New York on Sept. 11 made us take patriotism out of the basement and off the shelf. We dusted it off and brought it back to a brilliant shine and we showed the world that in a time of crisis we are the UNITED States of America. As a people we stand undivided, unscathed and we joined together, not only to fight a war but also to bring comfort and acknowledge our young men and women who are actually fighting the war. As a country we were and are determined not to make the same mistake as Vietnam, where we held individual soldiers accountable for the mistakes of our leaders in power at the time. This unity of the 21st century is what makes us the true America.
Many corporations and businesses, small and large, are seeking out ways to help our soldiers in arms. Today we came across an interesting article from Wal-Mart. The company was honored with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award in Washington, DC, Sept. 21.
Our local Wal-Mart in Polson is also a part of this prestigious recognition and an example of how our companies are pulling together to support our soldiers in arms.
During this time of war, Wal-Mart provides benefits for associates called to active duty; they provide assistance to the families and make up pay differentials. The company works with hospitals abroad where wounded soldiers are being treated to supply them with needed and requested items. Wal-Mart partners with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Operation Uplink offering free phone cards to military personnel, and recently donated $1 million to the VFW to help meet the rising demand for services with the influx of new veterans.
Earlier this year, Wal-Mart provided a $1.8 million dollar grant that was contributed to military family support groups.
This is a great public relations campaign for Wal-Mart in a time of war and there are many businesses and organizations out there that are dedicating time and money in the support of our soldiers. We ask that other companies in the area step up and let us know what you are doing to support our soldiers overseas. We will list your names and what you are doing to provide support to our young men and women in harm's way.