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NANTICOKE — The 24th Annual History of Northeastern Pennsylvania event provided an opportunity to honor veterans on Friday, with emphasis on provisions for healthcare for those who have served their country.
The event, held at Luzerne County Community College’s Educational Conference Center, drew students, faculty and area residents interested in military history, social issues and education.
“If a veteran comes back with a broken arm, we don’t just let it go, we fix it,” said Janis Wilson Seeley, chairperson of the college’s social sciences/history department. “But if someone comes back from war with post traumatic stress disorder, sometimes they don’t get the help they need because it’s invisible.”
Anthony Mussari presented a documentary regarding recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military honor in the United States.
“Those who have been awarded the medal do not use the word ‘win’ in regard to receiving it,” said Mussari. “It is an honor they are quick to share with others who served with them.”
The documentary shared quotes from recipients of the medal that emphasized discipline, respect and hard work.
“Medal of Honor winners are those least likely to want to go to war,” said Mussari. “They are focused on love for country, for family and for others.”
Attendees of the event were provided with a history of healthcare of veterans from before World War II to the present, with licensed clinical social worker John Shalanski providing an historical overview.
Often those with “battle fatigue” or “shell shock” were labeled cowards and received little sympathy from the country they served.
Attendees learned that although healthcare has improved dramatically, there is still much room for improvement.
The event, however, focused on the courage and commitment of those who were willing to risk their own lives for the safety and freedom of their countrymen.
Seeley, whose mother, father and brother served in the military, said the event provided a “very special awareness of those willing to sacrifice and protect others.”