A Remembrance: World War I Veterans

They are mostly forgotten now, these brave men and women of the past. All well into their hundreds, they reside in nursing homes, private residences and hospitals waiting to die. The best years of life are far behind them now, most of it stripped away in a war that most have forgotten, or weren’t around to see. To some they are senior-citizens, crazy old fools from a time that no longer exists, but to many they are heroes.

July 28th, 1918 was the official start of World War 1, the largest conflict to have ever taken place at that time. The war would see over 9 million soldier and civilian casualties and the fall of the Austro-Hungarian, German, Russian, and Ottoman empires. Many soldiers didn’t make it back. Some of those who did struggled, looking for ways to make the physical, mental, and emotional pain subside. Some tried to adjust themselves to the peace and tranquility of home before a second great war erupted and claimed another 60 million lives.

Some veterans suffered loss physically and mentally, some lost family and friends. But for the thirty or so who remain, the “War To End All Wars” couldn’t take their memories, their spirit, or their soul. They sat through Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and now ‘The Global War On Terror’, watching brave men and women die while reliving their own personal hell from nearly a century ago. A few of them didn’t get to see combat during the first world war, but they got their chance when they second one came around.

The last verifiable veteran was born in 1902, long before most of us were conceived. It seems impossible to fathom a time when there was no television coverage of wars, there was no way to fully describe the harsh tragedies of those who fought and died in a war that they had absolutely no control over. Some surrendered and became prisoners, and some fought until the death, or fought until there was no more fighting to do.

These few veterans are our only link to one of the greatest historical frontline battles of our time. So take a moment to think of these brave souls who risked their lives to help change the course of the world and impact history by fighting for the independence of countries they might never see, saving the lives of people they might never meet, and giving of themselves while expecting nothing in return. Don’t forget these few remaining links to history. If you ever get the chance to meet a last surviving veteran of World War I, let them know you appreciate their service. Even 89 years later i’m sure they will still appreciate it.