In America, soldiers grow old and are forgotten. I don't resent this. It's a function of the freedom we enjoy. Time passes, and, hey, life goes on. It's a kind of paradox. The freedom that allows life to go on so comfortably was paid for, in hard currency, by soldiers who, because of that freedom and comfort, are soon forgotten. I don't resent this, but I think it's a shame. And it's no different today than it was a hundred years ago. Take the case of Oliver Millett, which was reported in the Oxford Democrat in 1898. Oliver Millett fought and was wounded in the Civil War. He spent his latter years at the Soldier's Home in Togus where he died. His body was sent to Locke's Mills for burial. The Oxford Democrat reports: There has been much dissatisfaction expressed in regard to the appearance of Mr. Millett and also of the casket which was made of common boards just stained and put together with common screws. It was not lined and only a small pillow for the head, and, as one person expressed it, Mr. Millett looked as though he was just thrown in, without being shaved, and with none of the niceties being observed which are customary in caring for the dead. Of course we don't know what the rules are in regard to such matters at the Home, but there seems to be a wrong somewhere. It seems as though an old soldier, no matter where he dies, should be prepared for burial in a decent manner, especially one who drew a pension. Let us hope that if it has been over thirty years since the close of the war, that the people of Maine will not forget what they owe to the boys who wore the blue, that through sacrifice of their health, strength, and lives the Union was preserved and the glorious old stars and stripes waves over a free country today. There are many men living today who remained at home through the war and held remunerative positions, enriching themselves thereby, and not realizing any suffering from the effects of the war. These men owe the soldiers all their help and patronage, in any position they are capable of filling, and then they never can half repay the debt they owe them before they pass away. Every year their ranks grow thinner as they drop from the wayside and answer the roll call to the Great Commander above. As we shop for groceries, go to parent - teacher conferences, enjoy the races, eat fast food, sing in choirs, read a newspaper, visit relatives, buy new shoes, get out to vote, rent a video, shovel our walks, and do the myriad of common things that freedom allows, we forget. In our own community there is a veteran's home full of Oliver Milletts who paid the price for our freedom. And they are still paying. It wouldn't hurt once in a while to skip the video rental and, instead, go visit Oliver Millett and say thank you.
Oliver Millett