CT Veterans Say Ukraine A Memorial Day Inspiration

CONNECTICUT — When Danbury resident Bill Moser was getting shot at by Communists in the jungles of Vietnam in 1968, he probably never envisioned his ideological enemies would be his inspiration later in life.

But the former U.S. Marine and current chairman of the Danbury Council of Veterans has seen the world change drastically since his time at war ended in 1970.

For example, as the nation he proudly served prepares to commemorate another Memorial Day holiday, his former sworn enemy now has Moser in awe.

Once upon a time, Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, which was democracy's foe during the post-World War II Cold War to 1991, when the Soviet Union broke up and nations like Ukraine became independent.

Now democratic Ukraine fights for its survival against Russian forces many say are the picture of evil during progressive times, with dictator Vladimir Putin trying to recreate Cold War perspectives.

Moser said Americans, many who have grown accustomed to Memorial Day being a day off for the unofficial start of summer, can learn a thing or two from the Ukrainians.

"I'm proud of the people over there. I know there are some people here who would do what they're doing," Moser said this week. "They're able to say 'I'm not backing down.' The (Ukrainian) people are going to fight back. They are."

In the Connecticut veterans community, Moser is not alone in seeing the solemn holiday — whose roots go back to "Decoration Day" after the Civil War — in a different light given what is being seen half a world away.

"What we're seeing in Ukraine is a reminder to what the meaning of Memorial Day is," said U.S. Army Reserves Lt. Col. Thomas J. Saadi, who also happens to be the Connecticut commissioner for the state Department of Veterans Affairs. "What we're seeing in Ukraine is a reminder that freedom isn't free."

After all, Saadi is quick to point out Memorial Day is not a celebration, but rather a time for poignant reflection to honor service personnel who paid for our freedom with their lives.

Ukraine, Saadi said, is an example of the types of struggles Americans have faced historically since the American Revolution.

"What's happening in Ukraine is they are trying to protect that right, fighting for their lives," Saadi said. "It is inspiring. It's sad to watch this happen, but it's inspiring to see people stand up and fight for their freedom."

Norwich resident Dominic S. Cortese is the state commander for the Connecticut Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

From 1968-72, the Vietnam War veteran was in the U.S. Air Force, loading bombs on B-52s that were dropped in southeast Asia. Then, when he got out of the Air Force, he became a Cold War warrior in the U.S. Army, retiring in 1993.

While inspired by Ukraine's effort against a better-equipped enemy, Cortese also said it's important for the U.S. to limit its help for Ukraine to supplies, finances and moral support.

"To involve boots on the ground? That is totally out of the question," said Cortese. "As far as Ukraine is concerned, I've talked to a lot of veterans who say let's stay out of there."

Meanwhile, Cortese echoed the sentiments of other veterans in hoping Americans at home better learn about the true meaning of the holiday that does give us a day off at the end of May.

He said the holiday is simply a means for people to "remember those who paid the ultimate price."

Saadi agreed most could use a Memorial Day refresher.

"The issue is what is the meaning of Memorial Day to the average person and that meaning has, sometimes, faded," Saadi said. "Think about who served and fought so we can enjoy this weekend."

Ukrainians, Moser said, might just be the ones to deliver that lesson.

"I would hope (Americans) would realize that there are people over there sacrificing for their country," Moser said. "We've had people here do that."