Commissioner’s Corner
With Veterans Day fast approaching, and with the passing of our dear friend and World War II veteran Dr. E. Bruce Heilman this week, I am reminded of the importance of honoring all veterans, and especially those of the greatest generation, before they leave us to move on to their final duty assignment.
Dr. Heilman and 16 million of his fellow Americans answered the call to serve in WWII. Before becoming president of the University of Richmond, Dr. Heilman served the nation as a Marine during World War II, including combat in the Pacific Theater.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (the VA) estimates that, nationwide, fewer than 400,000 of our World War II veterans are alive today. That number is expected to drop to under 300,000 by this time next year. In five years, that number is forecast to drop to fewer than 90,000, meaning that by 2024 we will have witnessed the passing of almost an entire generation who sacrificed so much of themselves.
In 2004, then-Governor Mark Warner presented a check, in the amount of $334,000, to the Chairman of the American Battle Monuments Commission (ABMC) towards the construction of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Each state had been asked to contribute $1 for each of its citizens who served. Today, the VA estimates that only 9,000 of Virginia’s World War II veterans are still with us.
It is sometimes said that our World War II veterans should be referred to as the "quietest generation", as many came home and rarely spoke of their time at war. But I think this applies equally to veterans of all generations. It’s not too late to thank all our veterans for their service and sacrifice. Also make the time to ask them in which branch of the armed forces they served, about their unit and their favorite duty station, and about their fondest memory of military service.
Honoring our veterans service and sacrifice is critical. Part of honoring their legacy is to preserve veterans’ stories, their diaries and artifacts, and their memories. Virginia is working hard to capture and preserve these stories with programs like the Virginia War Memorial’s Mighty Pen Project which generates, preserves, shares, and honors stories written by military veterans and those touched by their service.
In this edition of our Enews, you will learn more about the great contributions of fellow veteran Dr. Heilman. You will also be able to learn more about partners who help us serve veterans and their families everyday like the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and Dominion Energy.
This edition of the Enews also includes a link to a list of Veterans Day events across the Commonwealth. I would like to thank all our readers who helped us compile this list, and would encourage you to attend an event in your community. I invite you to join us at the Virginia War Memorial on November 11 at 11 a.m. for the Commonwealth’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Virginia Governor Ralph Northam will be the keynote speaker.
Our joint efforts aim to ensure all Veterans can experience as many Veterans Days as possible.
As always, we appreciate your interest in DVS and welcome your comments and suggestions.
Sincerely,
Steven J. Combs, Acting Commissioner
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
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