Blogs

Mass. Fallen Heroes: Remembering and serving those who serve us

Mass. Fallen Heroes: Remembering and serving those who serve us

Lauren E. Forcucci

"America." A simple but profound statement made by Greg Kelly, president of the board of Massachusetts Fallen Heroes and a combat veteran. As he paused, a loud showing of appreciation erupted from the audience at the sixth annual memorial dinner on Friday, Dec. 11. You know you are in good company when all you have to say is "America" to get the crowd excited. Emceed by Randy Price, another veteran, the gathering was in honor of fallen heroes and Gold Star Families, and to bring together supporters. The speakers reminded those in attendance of why our soldiers choose to serve. Governor Charlie Baker noted the heartbreak that is felt when our soldiers don't return home. Colonel David Hunt, the keynote speaker, remarked about the government's lackluster performance in providing for our troops.

What happens when our soldiers return home, and why aren't we doing more for them? Col. Hunt referred to it as "skin in the game," and he is correct. When it's not our skin, we don't seem to feel like it's our game. Mass. Fallen Heroes is responding to this problem by developing programs and providing support to those returning home and for the families of those who do not. They are serving our veterans in ways that the government fails to.

‘Wussificiation’ of America: Is it real?
Blogs

‘Wussificiation’ of America: Is it real?

Lauren E. Forcucci

"Wussification." What exactly is this term and is it an actuality? In recent months, "wussification" has become more and more part of our vernacular. It seems that is has added a bit of spice to the election season fervor as well as encouraged some nationwide reflection. In considering its use, it begs the question: Has America changed so much that we are no longer the best and brightest? The strongest and most powerful? And if not, does it mean that we have become "wussified"?

For some pundits, this has become a way to stoke the already high flames of the current political arena. And yet, it is something that has shreds of truth to it. For example, a few small-scale instances speak loudly to a greater problem. In Wisconsin, fans at a youth basketball game were told not to yell "air ball" while the game was taking place. This has been cited as name-calling and derogatory by the administration. This is clearly not anything but a phrase often invoked to psyche out the opposition. Harmful? Hardly. In another example, The Atlantic recently published an article titled, "The Coddling of the American Mind," which speaks directly to this issue. It outlines, in clear terms, how certain words and phrases, concepts and issues are now being banned on college campuses so as not to insult. Isn't this going too far? What exactly are we teaching our younger generations? It's not exclusive to campuses, but something bigger that is happening in our society.

Read More