*What Makes Nations Great?* *Presidential Proclamation -- VETERANS DAY, 2015 :*
*BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA* *A PROCLAMATION* The United States military is the strongest, most capable fighting force the world has ever known. The brave men and women of our Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard demonstrate a resolute spirit and unmatched selflessness, and their service reminds us there are few things more American than giving of ourselves to make a difference in the lives of others. *On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform* and the families who stand alongside them. *Our true strength as a Nation is measured by how we take care of our veterans when they return home, and my Administration is committed to ensuring our heroes and their loved ones have every chance to share in the promise they risked their lives to defend. We have made it easier for veterans to convert their military skills to the civilian workforce, enabled more veterans and their family members to attain Federal education benefits, and expanded access to timely, quality health care for all veterans. Just as every veteran deserves the support and benefits they have earned, *those who have given everything to defend our homeland deserve a place of their own to call home. To uphold this ideal, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's Joining Forces initiative has forged partnerships with local leaders across America to uphold the dignity of every veteran and work to end veterans' homelessness. *No one who fights for our country should have to fight for the care they deserve.* Earlier this year, I was proud to sign the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, which fills critical gaps in mental health care by raising awareness and taking steps to improve access to care for those suffering from the invisible wounds of war. Our veterans left everything they knew and loved and served with exemplary dedication and courage so we could all know a safer America and a more just world. They have been tested in ways the rest of us may never fully understand, and it is our duty to fulfil our sacred obligation to our veterans and their families. On Veterans Day, and every day, let us show them the extraordinary gratitude they so rightly deserve, and let us recommit to pledging our full support for them in all they do. With respect for, and in recognition of, the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that *November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor our Nation's veterans. * NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2015, as Veterans Day. *I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans* through appropriate public ceremonies and private prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I call on all Americans, including civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, and communities to support this day with commemorative expressions and programs. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth. BARACK OBAMA *Kautaliya (323 BCE or so) advised the King of Magadha in a blunt warning, "The day the soldier has to demand his dues, will be a sad day for Magadha (read India), for then on that day you will have lost the moral sanction of be the King"(read PM/ RM and should I add the three service chiefs !!)* *What Makes Nations Great? **Extracts:* *(Written 2 years back in August 2012 - By Maj Gen Mrinal Suman)* *The secret of British success lies in the public support and respect extended to the soldiers. “Soldiers’ loyalty to the nation and readiness for the supreme sacrifice are driven less by material considerations and more by an overwhelming urge to earn love and respect of their countrymen. A grateful nation’s recognition of their contribution to national security acts as the strongest motivator.* *“Britain never forgets its war heroes. Every major landmark in London is named after distinguished soldiers and not politicians.* *Now let us compare the above with the state of affairs in India:** Apathetic political leadership and bureaucracy have made no attempt to understand the intensity of sense of hurt of the soldiers at their continued neglect and deliberate degradation.* *India still does not have a war memorial in the capital to honour independent India’s martyrs. * *India wants to ape the West in all sundry aspects but not in matters that affect the well-being and morale of the armed forces.* *Look at the treatment meted out to India’s tallest military leader Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the architect of India’s greatest victory ever. It took the Government decades to determine and release his dues. India has not found him worthy of its highest national honour ‘Bharat Ratna’. No political leader thought it necessary to attend his funeral.* *It will not be out of place here to recall the speech of President Obama **at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Convention at the Phoenix Convention Center on 17 August 2009. He said, “You have fulfilled your responsibilities. And now a grateful nation must fulfil ours. Whether you've left the service in 2009 or 1949, we will fulfil our responsibility to deliver the benefits and care that you earned.” He termed America's commitment to its veterans as sacred bonds and a sacred trust Americans are honour bound to uphold. “You have done your duty - to your fallen comrades, to your communities, to your country. You have always fulfilled your responsibilities to America. And so long as I am President of the United States, America will always fulfil its responsibilities to you”, he declared.* *Contrast the above pledge and assurance with the treatment meted out to the ex-servicemen in India. It is apathetic to say the least. In the recent past, India was witness to the most unfortunate sight of numerous military veterans returning their medals to the President to register their protest against Government’s indifference to their pleas. Medals earned during active service are the proudest possession of soldiers and their being driven to surrender them should have made the Government sit up and take note. But true to its wont, it remained totally unconcerned and unmoved. Not a single Government leader or official has considered it necessary to talk to the protesting veterans to resolve the issues. This episode will certainly go down as a dark chapter in the history of Independent India.* *Although public at large still holds the military in high esteem, a deliberate media campaign is being orchestrated by some elements with vested interests to show the military in poor light.* *Historically, India does not have a culture of valuing its military.* *When his leaders let him down.* *Military as an institution sustains itself on the trust-loyalty equation existing between the leadership and the rank and file. To be trusted is the greatest compliment that a leader can earn. Trust is the expectancy that the followers can rely on a leader’s immaculate personal conduct and professional competence. It flourishes on the credibility that a leader enjoys in his command. Soldiers willingly repose faith in a leader in the belief that he would remain incorruptible and morally upright.* *When countrymen fail to understand him* *Soldiers’ dedication to duty, loyalty to the nation and willingness for the supreme sacrifice are driven less by material considerations and more by an overwhelming urge to earn love and respect of their countrymen. As the soldiers know that their image in the society is dependent on media projections, they tend to be very sensitive to adverse publicity and undue criticism. They feel betrayed that their national media ignores their contribution and highlights a few aberrations.* *When the government shows apathy* *A supportive government’s compassion acts as a major motivator for the soldiers. It is not a question of financial remunerations alone. It is the way a government treats and values its soldiers that matter. Except for token inanities on Independence Day, the Government has singularly failed to appreciate the intensity of sense of hurt of the soldiers at their continued neglect. Frequent degradation of their status through manipulated pay commission awards has made them skeptical about government’s intent.* *Military is a social organization, albeit highly structured and disciplined. It consists of living human beings with their normal share of sentiments and idiosyncrasies. Soldiers also emote and go through phases of elation and sorrow. It is just that they are trained to keep their emotions under control lest it affects their performance in crisis situations. Their anguish remains muted due to their strong sense of loyalty to the country and to uphold military honour. For that reason, soldiers need to be handled with sensitivity and compassion* make a difference in the lives of others. *On Veterans Day, we reflect on the immeasurable burdens borne by so few in the name of so many, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting those who have worn America's uniform* and the families who stand alongside them. *Circulated by:* *K.Raman.* ------------------------------ __,_._,___ -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
