The Cold War was America's longest war, lasting from September 1945 to December 1991. Yet it seems to be something few people remember; especially how close the world came to nuclear war.
Yet there is no medal or award to honor the brave and dedicated men and women who defended us during that time. We faced the same dangers and did the same jobs as today's military, who have all kinds of medals being issued. At the present time there is legislation in Congress that will correct this injustice, and bring honor and respect so long overdue.
Sen. Olympia Snowe, along with Sens. James Webb, D-Va., Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and Mary Landrieu, D-La., have introduced a bill to end this oversight (S. 2743, The Cold War Medal Act of 2009).
In the House, Rep. Steve Israel, D-N.Y., has introduced a parallel bill, H.R. 4051, and has also introduced House Resolution 900, to designate May 1 as Cold War Veterans Recognition Day. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., has introduced House Concurrent Resolution 207, expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the victory of the United States in the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
I ask everyone to ask their elected officials to become cosponsors and vote for rapid passage of these bills. Include the bill number and name to ensure the proper bill is considered.
Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans, Inc.
South Portland
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