Extending

rules of

eligibility


On Wednesday, an announcement was made that for the first time since anyone can remember, there would be no Memorial Day parade in Rumford and Mexico.

By Friday, the parade was back on. Too many people expected and wanted a traditional observance honoring local veterans.

The decision to cancel the parade had been made because there were too few participants and the veterans who do participate are gaining in years.

There is a solution to the thinning of the ranks among veterans groups: expand eligibility.

When the American Legion was formed in 1919, eligibility was set to parallel war-time service dates determined by Congress, including both world wars, the Korean and Vietnam wars, conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada and Panama and from Operation Desert Storm to present day.

Men and women who actively served in the U.S. Armed Forces but did not serve during these times of conflict are not eligible for membership. In the association’s 84-year existence, that leaves out 45 years.

Eligibility to join the Veterans of Foreign Wars is limited to those who served overseas during times of conflict, which excludes everyone who remained stateside in times of peace and war.

Veterans groups were originally formed as patriotic, mutual-help community-service organizations. They are spirited groups of great community value.

However, by excluding potential members these groups are stifling their own existence.

The congressional charters for veterans groups -especially the American Legion -can and should be amended to extend eligibility to any and all active servicemen and women who hold an honorable discharge from military duty.

If done, even on a tiered-membership basis, that could boost the ranks and invite more energetic participation.

For example, young soldiers and sailors who served after the Vietnam War but before the conflicts in Lebanon and Grenada are now in their 40s and 50s. These are people whose children are grown and who are likely to be interested in community service and fraternal camaraderie. Perfect additions to any veteran post, but excluded because of narrow eligibility rules.

While it may be the ultimate goal to see veterans groups expire altogether under a lingering peace, these groups serve a purpose and function in communities.

Even if we never enter another war, military veterans will continue to be a mainstay of American society as there is a steady need to defend our land.

Extending eligibility rules will guarantee the place of veterans’ organizations in our communities.


A regal profile


Mary Dow is right. Wilton’s Warrior deserves more attention.

The regal and rocky profile of this warrior may not be a purely natural phenomenon like New Hampshire’s Old Man of the Mountain, but he does draw the eyes of motorists along Route 2.

The profile was created when workers blasted through granite to construct that road and locals have long called the fractured ledge “the Indian head.” The name aptly describes the firm chin, high forehead and flowing headdress so obviously overlooking Route 2.

We love local oddities, as we have seen from the dismay over the loss of the Old Man of the Mountain. People are willing to drive out of their way to see something curious, and picturesque Wilton now has a perfect opportunity to talk up its own tourist attraction.
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