VFW Salutes WWII Generation in Congress
National commander doesn’t want significance of the moment to go unnoticed
WASHINGTON — The closing of the 113th Congress in the new year also signals an end to World War II representation in Congress, and the national commander of Americas largest and oldest major combat veterans organization doesn’t want the significance of the moment to go unnoticed
“When World War II veterans returned home, many experienced the same reintegration difficulties that veterans from all wars do,” explained John W. Stroud, who leads the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. “But they persevered, started families, finished their education, and became the scientists, scholars, poets and captains of industry that allowed America to prosper so much in the second half of the 20th century,” he said.
“They also got involved in how their communities and nation were governed, and the VFW is proud to claim among its members six World War II veterans who became president of the United States, and an untold number of others among the 36 Congresses that have convened since the election of Navy Lt. George Andrews (D-Ala.) in 1944 to the impending departure of former Army Lt. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Navy Lt. Ralph Hall (R-Texas) next month,” said Stroud.
Once comprising more than 70 percent of Congress in the 1970s, the number of military veterans has fallen below 20 percent, but the VFW national commander is confident that the new generation of veterans entering the 114th Congress, as well as many other congressional champions, will continue to take care of veterans, the troops, and all their families.
“Taking care of those who serve and sacrifice the most for our great country mattered then and it matters now,” said Stroud. “The VFW salutes the World War II generation for their selfless service to country, and we look forward to working with the new Congress to continue building a better tomorrow for our nation and world.”