veteran’s corner
Tom Krabbenhoft
Just like Paul Revere’s ride, Patriots Day was here and gone. I have to confess that, as an uber history buff, I learned a lot about Patriots Day. I realize that it will be helpful to shine more of a spotlight on it.
It’s oft said that history repeats itself. One can only look toward Ukraine to see a mirror reflection of our own struggle for independence in the Ukrainians.
We must acknowledge the times when we started to plot our future course. We’ve left a lot of us behind, along with the sacrifices so many have made, without remembering.
We need to look back and recognize what the founders of this country established. No, they were not perfect, but they were better than what and who they fought against. They knew they had to do better. One needs to look no further than the Bill of Rights to see this.
Our youth should be taught more about this. Our founding fathers left a foundation of freedom. How we build onto it is up to us.
Many thanks to Jim Shaw for being a tireless advocate for Patriots Day in North Dakota. Now, Minnesota needs Patriots Day, too!
What would
Americans do?
Newsweek recently published the results of a poll conducted by Quinnipiac asking what Americans would do if our nation were invaded.
A total of 1,374 were surveyed. Of those who responded, 55 percent said they would stay and fight, while 38 percent said they would flee.
Broken down by age group, 45 percent of men 18-34 would stay and fight. In the 35-49 group, 57 percent said they would stay. That number jumped to 66 percent among those 50 to 64.
The poll also looked at political divisions. Among Republicans, 68 percent would fight, compared to 40 percent of Democrats. The contrast narrowed, however, when asked if we should defend a NATO ally invaded by Russia; then, 80 percent across the board thought that defense was acceptable.
Quinnipiac conducts many interesting polls. Personally, I’m wonder how the questions would play out along other lines – rural vs. city, by race, by religion and by socioeconomic backgrounds.
The poll leaves another unanswered question in my mind. If not fighting for this country, what country would you fight for?
Legion Riders Raffle
The FM Legion Riders have kicked off a raffle. Our grand prize is a ride in a WW2 P-51. Other prizes include three other plane rides, a motorcycle, two mini bikes, a $1,000 flooring gift card, a custom-made quilt, and more. Tickets are $20. Please email me for tickets.
Speaking of patriots, Todd Mitzel, owner of the ICON Architectural group, contacted me. If you recall his group offered to do the design work for the Fargo National Cemetery shelter pro bono. Another company has also come on board. Chad Culp, project manager of Veterans Testing and inspecting LLC, has offered his firm’s services working toward completion of the cemetery shelter. Thanks, Chad!
Next week — my thoughts about the failed Russian invasion.
Comments, questions or anything veteran-related? Contact me here at 11btwk@gmail.com