The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1942-04-13
BLAMING VETERANS

LAM NJ Z CNNlN9
War veterans in Ypsilanti as
Wen as in other communities, are
justly aroused By statements which
Mrs. Roosevelt recently made in
her speech al Wellesley Coll~ge,
providing she intended il : some
have interpreted her words to mean.
Her statement. according 10 the Ma
tional Tribute, veterans pubiica-
ton which carries the slogan, ne
Voice OF the Veterans OF the United
States was 10 the effect that the
veterans OF l9l1-l9ls we're responsi-
Bile for the present war because
they returned home and lost touch
with their communities. did not have
a feeling OF physical obligation 10
carry on their own thinking and
grouped in blocs in their own inter
ests. and furthermore the World
War veterans had failed in their
duty to insure peace Mrs. Roose-
Nelt's recommendation 10 her audi
ence Of delegates from eastern col
leges. says the Tribune, was 10 get
together in blocs 10 aid soldiers
returning from this war lest they
form a group hostile 10 the com
munity.
II is easy to see how veterans
might isel deeply hurt by possible
Interpretation that could be placed
upon such statements. but We are
sure tina II Mrs. Roo evelt has ever
been privileged 10 enjoy the &C
quaintance Of such veterans as We
have in Ypsilanti, watched their az
tivities their ever ready response
10 movements for community better
meu, their interest in philanthro-
pic projects--if she could even see
the annual Fourth OF July celebIa-
ton which the American Legion
sponsors in Npsilanti each year, she
could never question the loyalty,
the deep-seated Americanism. the
profound sense of civic responsible |
ity which prevails among the vet |
Grams, even though they find nov
that the democracy for which they |
fought IN the war to end wars Is !
again threatened.
As the National Tribune says:
Those millions OF loyal citizens
no live in every town aud hamlet
10 this land know that the veterans
who have fought in our wars and
campaigns snare the leadership in
those communities. They are organ
lied in more than $1,000 posts and
chapters, or "blocs' through which
they continue their service 20 COM
munity, state and nation. The rec
ord Of their accomplishments testi-
flies 10 the faithful lob they have
done"
Because the Tribune seems en-
titled to speak officially for the
veterans, We quote further:
knowledge Of past and present
contributions hardens our veterans
70 accept criticism, but they are
concerned about this dire thing Mrs.
Roosevelt promises for the future.
lmpressionable young college wom-
en- are warned that sons and young
er brothers OF World War veterans
may constitute menace when they
come home from war. Form a bloc
yourselves she warns, or these boys
will be hostile 70 the community.
We are fighting for a changed
world, to solve problems which
were set aside at the end OF the
last war and which brought US to
this war she added.
These boys know what thew are
fighting for. We hope they will not
be called home. a were World War
veterans. before the Job is finished
We tiust they will not return to
a changed world. but rather 20 the
one in which they believe-freed
from the influences OF those who
have brought this one upon US.
They will not come back hostile
10 the community but they will
form IN 'blocs They will organize
Tor fraternal and patriotic reasons.
They VIII promote mutual helpful
ness and ieinember their dead. They
will foster rue patriotism and pre-
serve loyalty 20 the institutions and
ideals OF American freedom. eager
" defending them from the designs
" enemies from without and With.
IN. They Will bolster law and order
and inculcate a sense Of individual
Obligation 70 community, state and
nation In promoting peace and good
will, they will combat sutocrscy.
These are the reasons Why other
warriors organized They have not
broken faith. They have the utmost
OF faith, too. in their new com
rades who will establish a sea-level
OF national preservation. Instead Of
star-gazing at social reforms aud
oay-dreaming Of strange ideologiss.
they will show an undivided faith
In their Flag and all for which 1t
stands. They will not forsake their
disabled. nor their widows and or
phans. They Will maintain frne Al