All citizens should serve two years

With Veterans Day fast approaching, I wonder if my fellow Americans know what percentage of us actually serve in the armed forces? I'll tell you: 2.4 million, less than 1 percent of the country's total population.

It seems that people have the attitude that military service is “something for other people to do. With all the privileges and freedoms we have in this great country of ours, I would think it an honor to serve your country in some way, if not in the military, then another service organization such as Americorps, Habitat, VISTA, etc. In fact, I think the draft should be re-instated for males and females.

A two-year commitment should be required to serve your country in some way, either military or civilian. Is that too much to ask for the gifts we've been given? Too few people shoulder the burden of the majority and are stretched to their limits.

If we all gave a little bit, just think what we could accomplish. Come on people, ante up and don't just let other people take on the entire country's responsibility.

Cathy Godfrey

USMC veteran

Wheaton