AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer wrote in response to Bill McClellan's column

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

Cut Military Funerals?

The following is a letter that AMVETS National Commander Cleve Geer wrote in response to Bill McClellan's column, which focused on cutting military funeral honors in order for the government to save money. To read his column, visit: http://bit.ly/10iU4Ar.

I am outraged and disappointed in the opinions expressed in your column that calls for the end of military funeral honors. As the leader of AMVETS, a Congressionally chartered veterans service organization, it is appalling that you suggest cutting funeral honors for military personnel in order for both the federal and state governments to save money.

Only 1 percent of Americans currently serve in the military and less than 7 percent of Americans are veterans.  For you to state that “most veterans did nothing heroic” is absurd. The mere fact that these men and women served in the Armed Forces proves that they are willing to sacrifice time, blood and their very lives for people like you, who they have never met. This in itself is heroic. Our veterans are the role models that children should be looking up to in today’s society. They have exhibited courage, whether behind a desk or in the midst of enemy fire; show that dedication to one’s country is more than demanding the government hand out benefits; and do not complain when the country turns their back and ignores their service, as with Vietnam veterans.

In fact, funeral honors for veterans should be protected in the coming days of spending reductions. Veterans have shed blood and sweat so that we may live in a free and prosperous country. To deny them the honor of being buried and celebrated because you believe they are not heroes shows just how unappreciated military service has become in our country.

Considering how little veterans ask for in return for their service, the least Americans and our government can do is provide them with a proper and honorable burial.

Veterans Supporting Veterans,

Cleve Geer
AMVETS National Commander