To the editor:
Dick Bozzone is a past commander of the Cpl. Jedh C. Barker Memorial Post 153 American Legion in Park Ridge, as well as our historian and the chairman of our Centennial Committee, which has activities under way through Veterans Day.
Among his duties for many years has been to assist Post Membership Chairman Lyle Garcia. Bozzone, then commander, appointed Garcia 23 years ago. He was quick to point out that his comrade had done a tremendous job in a position that often receives little credit for the work involved.
This past month Bozzone was a eulogist at the wake of Robert Doxey. He had known Mr. Doxey for many years and recalled that he always referred to him as Mr. Doxey because of the respect he had for this gentleman who, as a U.S. Marine, served four years during World War II.
Fortunately we still have a number of the greatest generation with us but Mr. Doxey, with over 50 years as a legionnaire, was the only member left from that war. He had 66 years.
Veterans who have served in wars after Vietnam aren’t old enough to attain that level. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 496,777 American veterans from the war were estimated to still be alive in September 2018. That is a shocking figure since during the Second World War America had 16.5 million men and women who served from a population of approximately 135 million.
This is a startling figure, as we have over 300 million alleged citizens and the government points out that because of various reasons we might not be able to increase the number of armed forces available if we ever have to go into a major conflict.
As time passes all veteran organizations experience the same trend. Post 153 has 13 members with more than 50 years: eight are from the Korean War era and five from the Vietnam era.
Sadly, the bell will toll over the next few years and then there will be even fewer members who served during these wars who will reach the cherished goal of 50 years’ membership.
