There’s more than just the military

The Memorial Day parades and speeches are over. From the wreath laying by President Obama at Arlington National Cemetery and the patriotic concert in the National Mall to all the smaller celebrations across the country, Memorial Day was commemorated in a traditionally patriotic manner.

The importance and the sacrifices of our military were honored and recognized.

Those in the military, especially in times of conflict, provide vital service to the country.

However, since the initiation of the all-volunteer military, a smaller and smaller percentage of the country actually serves.

It is these few and those many past who are honored.

Military service, however, should not be the only way to serve the country, and there is no reason that all citizens cannot serve in one capacity or another.

In fact, national service should be required of every American.

The country needs an assist and extra hands in many areas. Young citizens could dramatically improve the delivery of services in such fields as education and health care. They could work on national infrastructure, technology, security, in the national forests and parks and general government.

Universal national service would undoubtedly advance the public good. More of what is needed could be done.

Also, public service, whether after high school or college, would give greater meaning to what citizenship entails and would increase responsible participation in our democracy. The education and the exposure to different aspects of American life and different Americans themselves could prove invaluable for the individual and the nation.

The idea of universal national service is not a popular idea. Nor is it likely to meet the test of politicians looking for proposals to capture the vote of young adults. Nevertheless, it is an idea that could have an immediate positive impact on the country and a long-lasting impact on the nature of the citizenry.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher