Program seeks to share values between vets, youth

CAPE GIRARDEAU - The Generations In Valor convention scheduled for Oct. 24 at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau will be more that just a celebration of our nation's veterans.

It is a chance for them to pass on their legacy of courage to our nation's youth at time when they need it most, a chance to mentor and inspire them to embrace the values that carried them through the hard times of their generation, say organizers.

"It's an opportunity to speak with the veterans and hear what they went through and sacrificed for our freedoms," said Blair Moran, American Legion Post 114 chaplain.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C., organizers for Generations In Valor wondered if they should cancel the event.

By the following day, they agreed the event was more pertinent than ever. "Us being afraid will not break the terrorists," said Dr. Joel Ray, a neurosurgeon from Cape Girardeau.

To defeat terrorists, Ray reasoned, we must hold on to our dreams and show them we are willing to pay whatever price it takes to keep them alive.

Ray said the inspiration for Generations In Valor grew from reflecting on tragic events over the last couple of years.

The student-massacre at Columbine touched a nerve with Ray, who believes it was the result of a lack of values in today's youth.

When his son began looking for an Eagle Scout project, Ray suggested he address this very problem. The result was the Scouts Mentoring Kids program in which Scouts seek to instill in others the worthwhile values they have embraced.

It wasn't until Ray heard his uncles and father, all veterans of World War II, discussing the tragic collision of U.S. Navy submarine with the Japanese trawler that Ray realized our nation was losing a vital source of values at the rate of 1,500 a day: the veterans of World War II and Korea. "They effervesce their ethic," said Ray. "They bubble it out."

Combat veterans, said Ray, all have their stories, but they have much more than that to offer.

"The veterans represent the 'master experience' of our minute," said Ray. "Their problem is they're humble."

Whether or not they consider themselves heroes, Ray decided veterans "can't just sit back and set examples." Kids today, said Ray, "are not going to understand what service is unless you tell them."

If veterans, civic leaders and students could be brought together like the three colors of our nation's flag, said Ray, the values of "the greatest generation" could be passed on to those who desperately need them. "Generations In Valor is those guys mentoring all of us," said Ray.

The idea quickly took on a life of its own and grew from a Lions Club luncheon into a convention in which they would invite veterans, high school students and civic groups within 100 miles.

Generations In Valor has since then become a joint effort with area mentoring programs, The Stars and Stripes Museum, veterans organizations, Missouri and Illinois public schools, Southeast Missouri State University, state and national legislators and many other organizations and individuals.

The event will feature a veteran-student mixer, veteran letter readings and a history presentation by battle-seasoned veterans.

Veterans will speak on their experiences and a taped welcome message from former President George Bush Sr., a combat veteran of World War II, will be played. Ray said the former president plans to speak on sacrifice which has become even more poignant as our nation pursues its war on terrorism.

Moran said he expects keynote speaker Joe Frank, past national commander of the American Legion and a veteran of the Vietnam War, to make a big impact on students who participate.

Although Frank lost his legs to a landmine, "he has not indulged in self pity and has led a productive life," said Moran, who formed a friendship with the Frank when he was invited to the 1986 Cotton Carnival in Sikeston. He later helped support Frank's candidacy for national commander.

There will also be exhibits including a photography display and an interactive MASH unit from The Stars and Stripes Museum and the "Armor Van" - an 18-wheel tractor-trailer rig containing a tank simulator.

"Many of the exhibits will be very hands-on," said Ray. "They will be interactive for the kids."

"We still want more exhibits," said Amy Gordin, director of rehabilitation services at ReStart which has been "heavily involved" with the event. "I think this is going to be a super-neat event."

At the end of the day-long event, Ray wants participants to leave with three things. "I want them to walk out with more confidence than they walked in with," said Ray. The other two things Ray wants participants to come away with are some things to teach their family and a dream of their own so big that they are willing to make sacrifices to realize it.

Ray added that he hopes Generations In Valor will not end with the convention but will become an ongoing mentoring program.

For more information on attending Generations In Valor, to arrange an exhibit or to make a tax-deductible donation contact Gordin at 651-9015.