Dear Editor:
Burgers, brats, chicken or pork.
I grant you that what's on the menu for the Memorial Day barbecue is important to think about, I would like to give you some more food for thought.
Missouri has approximately six million people, of this number 510,000 are veterans. Missouri has a budget of approximately $7.38 and less than five percent of that is needed to keep a pledge and a promise to Missouri veterans.
Memorial Day was started by General Logan who wanted to honor all of those who served and sacrificed during the Civil War. Since then Memorial Day has evolved to celebrate the lives and service of all men and women who have served in the military. Missouri has approximately 1,500 veterans waiting to get a bed in one of our veteran's homes. There are not enough beds. Missouri is in desperate need of two more veteran's homes.
ln the early 1980s, then-Gov. Mel Carnahan came to Missouri's veterans and asked that the veterans give back to the state of Missouri their portion of the state gaming money to fund early childhood development, with the promise that these funds would be restored and Missouri's veterans would not suffer. Missouri veterans wholeheartedly agreed. Fast forward 25-plus years and five Missouri governors later and you will find that this promise has not been kept.
The Missouri Veterans Trust Fund has steadily been depleted. By not funding the fund, there is not enough money to support veterans' programs. $30-35 million is needed annually. Fiscal year 2013 will most likely deplete the fund.
Politicians will tell you things like "tough economic times," "we need to tighten our belts," "we all need to sacrifice." I submit to you that Missouri's veterans have weathered tough economic times; both when they served, and along with all other Missourians. I know of no others who have tightened their belts more than the men and women who have served and still serve today. Please don't ask a veteran about sacrifice. They have sacrificed more than most people can comprehend and some have made the ultimate sacrifice so that our way of life will endure.
This Memorial Day, don't just think about our veterans, think of what you can do to help them. Central Missouri has always rallied when we've asked you to support our troops.
Please rally in support of our veterans. Tell the governor and the Legislature to restore full funding to the Missouri Veterans Trust Fund and demand that we keep the promise that we made to veterans of the state of Missouri.
Remember, Missouri's veterans swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, and the people, and our way of life. It's time for Missouri to keep its pledge to be there for the veterans, whatever it takes to thank them for all they have accomplished.
Movie title
Grade: grade here
Cast: cast here
Director: director here
Rating: rating here
Running time: minutes
Showtimes and Ticket Info