Ira Hayes. A true American war hero. He and four others raised our flag. Millions should recognize the pictures. A large bronze statue. Few know the names.

The vicious battle happened on a small Pacific island. Volcanic. Bare lava. Iron hard rocks. Jagged cliffs. Many tunnels hid enemy troops and their guns. Thirteen of the beginning group died along the sacrificial climb. Diligently they kept scrambling upward toward the top of the mountain. At all cost, complete orders. The individual pain must have been horrific. Knees. Legs. Arms and elbows. Cuts and scares. Dodging death. Gasping hot breath.

Yes, history records that, through bomb, bullet and shell, 40 began the impossible climb. Twenty-seven managed to return. The battle raged. Retreat? To where. The ocean water churned blood red. Beach and sand flew into the air. Bodies piled dead.

What! At the very tip-top. Surrounded by blue sky. Our flag waved free and beautiful. Attack!

A single U.S. Marine (plus all other military members) dedicates his/her life to an entry signature of serious consequences. Thus, a local person deploys into an international alliance of similar U.S. approved citizens.

What hides within the future? Standard training. Socially useable knowledge. Possibly, (hold onto your hat), walking under fire and brimstone while splashing through hell and high water. Regardless, do what the nation demands of you. Only a crystal ball knows for sure. So, how do these things compare to college life?

Military life. Quite a vetting process. Stay sharp. Quick while in danger. Base life. Work rules. Important jobs to perform. Such as: Prepare meals near ocean bottoms. Open the toolbox. Fine-tune jet engines. Always stay reliable. Fast-march for miles with rocks in your backpack. Certified welding. Many other hands-on experiences. Of course, remain prepared to face the nation’s enemies.

No doubt, the global dispersion of troops add to our feelings of well-being. Sure people come and go. Completion of duties. Veterans expect to rejoin their national fabric. “Welcome home.”

As expected, several of the discharged group experience difficulties. No job. No house. No address. “Stay off my yard.” “I don’t care where. But. Not here.” Yes, there exists VA loans. Plus, college dollars. Disability dollars. Regardless of circumstances, do what the nation expects. Get a job. How?

Fact: All people have the right to 1) Rest; 2) Sleep; and 3) Perform bowel and bladder impulses. Also, to touch the Earth and to exist. “Lost in America.” Yes, lost sheep may be gathered. But. What is the crime? Maintaining life? The legal issue is about life verses property. Life loses the struggle! Jail for sleeping in a park. A Dubois Battle continues. Touching the Earth remains problematical. Doubt it? Let your hair grow and dress in throwaway cloths. Then, enter the world of illegal sleep and rest. Trespassing … always.

Fact: The U.S. Supreme Court has yet to establish explicitly a Constitutional directive that plainly addresses “homeless” rights to touch the Earth while they are exercising God-given rights of rest, sleep and toilet duties. Suggestion: “Homeless” is a social term. “Property-less” is a legal term that belongs in court debates.

Yes, as with Ira Hays’ sad end, even the strong could use some help. Similarly, today, the veterans require their extension of a military ID into that of a veteran ID card for crucial civilian use.

This veteran ID card would be important for plane, train, bus and motel rooms. Job-hunting requires movement. Job interviews go well if one is presentable. Staying out of a ditch and field speaks for itself. Surely, the U.S. Supreme Court could solve these problems.

As much as possible, we expect self-reliance and that of being home-taught about mature behavior. So does the job market. Get a job. Blend with a crew. Stay out of trouble. Military duties add to these maturing points.

For those who require aid, social services are helpful. So why does not Washington design a veteran ID card? Many, many veteran speeches, park names, bridges, etc. No veteran ID card.

DON BURNSIDE

For the moment, property-less

Tucson, Arizona