Community Corner
Saying 'Thank You' Is Not Enough
Veterans Day Observance Speaker Bob Zonneville says we must continue to work to make sure our veterans are taken care of, especially those who were wounded in combat
Simply saying thank you to a veteran is not enough, said Bob Zonneville, who addressed Mentor’s Veterans Day Observance at the Friday evening.
Zonneville of Mentor was wounded twice in World War II in Europe and received two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star and other military honors. Following the war, he worked as a professional truck driver, worked his way up the corporate ladder, and retired as a president of a subsidiary of Landstar Corp., a logistic company.
“All Americans, regardless of their political persuasion or attitude toward ongoing wars, should express their appreciation to all veterans whether they served in WWII, Vietnam, the Gulf War, or veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan,” Zonneville said before a crowd of about 100 of Mentor residents and veterans.
Find out what's happening in Mentorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“But it is not enough to just say thanks for their sacrifice and here’s a free meal once a year. We must continue to work to make sure our veterans are taken care of ---especially those who were wounded in combat ---- to see that they get proper medial care.
He pointed out that too often the Veteran’s Administration has taken too long to accept responsibility for veterans who fell ill with cancer after they were exposed to Agent Orange chemicals in Vietnam or after World War II when veterans got radiation sickness while serving in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japanese cities that were destroyed by U.S. atomic bombs.
Find out what's happening in Mentorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We can find ready money to fight wars, so we better find ready money to take care of those who defended our country,” said Zonnesville. "Personally, I believe the best thing the government can do for our combat veterans is to quit making wars.”
In addition to Zoneville address, the Veterans Day Observance included the presentation of colors by the Lake County Marine Veteran Honor Guard. Veterans from Mentor V.F.W. #9295, Amvets Post #109 and Amvets Post #40 participated in the event in a “Salute to the Dead,” and Taps. The event’s invocation and benediction were presented by Bud Spreng, commander of Mentor V.F.W.Post 9295.