Published: May 12, 2008 10:55 pm         

Obama addresses large crowd in Charleston

CHARLESTON — When Stanley Dunham died in 1992, his grandson said the World War II veteran’s country stood by him — just as Dunham had stood proudly for his country.

Dunham’s grandson — Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama — said he remembered “the solemn notes” of “Taps” the day his grandfather was laid to rest. He remembered the “crack” of the guns firing and the folded flag being handed to his grandmother.

Dunham’s country performed a final act of service for him, Obama said. Just as the United States honored his grandfather, it must not ever turn its back on its “best and bravest” sons and daughters. While addressing a crowd of about 1,000 people in Charleston Monday, the Illinois senator said the nation’s veterans are often in agony — and he pledged to end this suffering if he becomes commander in chief.

West Virginia, Obama said, has had residents serve in the military almost more than any other state in the nation. So many people in the state understand what it is like to see an empty chair at the dinner table or spend another Mother’s Day while Mom is far away. These men and women do this to preserve the idea that people should not be governed by men, but by laws. They serve so Americans will have the right to pursue their individual dreams.

“They are part of no single faction, party, race or religion,” he said. “They are simply American. They serve, fight and bleed together.”

Whether or not people supported the war in Iraq, the men and women who fought for their country should be honored by all Americans, Obama said. After Vietnam, many Americans blamed the unpopular war on those who simply answered the country’s call — and the veterans were shunned. Many of these veterans found themselves homeless.

Now, the United States will handle the largest homecoming of veterans since World War II, he said. Rather than simply saluting marching veterans on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, Americans must march with them.

But recent news of how some veterans have been treated is abhorrent, according to Obama.

Obama told the story of an 89-year-old World War II veteran — just like his grandfather — who could not get approved for any treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The South Carolina man eventually committed suicide.

Obama said he sought to work with Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., on Veterans Affairs in the Senate — and he will do even more work to properly care for veterans if he is president. He pledged to create a “21st Century VA,” with no more red tape and electronic records. There would be more services in rural areas, and no more delays. Veterans being left homeless will not be tolerated.

Only half of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder are receiving the treatment they need, he noted. Several also experience traumatic brain injury — and the number of suicide deaths among Iraq war veterans is likely higher than combat deaths.

“For far too many, the war doesn’t come to an end when the troops come home,” he said.

As president, Obama said, he would expand mental health treatment for veterans, as well.

Meanwhile, those who serve their country should be allowed to live the “American Dream,” Obama said. An expanded GI Bill, with bipartisan support, is being debated in Congress right now. Obama believes the current bill is inadequate.

While he respects presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain’s service, Obama said McCain is one of few senators in either party who believes the extended GI Bill is too generous.

“If they have risked their lives, they should be able to pursue the American dream,” he said. “… Every (veteran) you encounter is truly special. Some have lost their limbs, or the ability to care for themselves. But they never lose their pride.

“They stand for the unwavering idea that no matter where you came from, what you look like or who your parents are, we will rise and fall as one nation, one people.”

Obama then received a standing ovation from the crowd.

Obama told the crowd he would be “extraordinarily honored” if they supported him — even though many believe most of the state would support Sen. Hillary Clinton in today’s voting. Nevertheless, he encouraged everyone to become united as Democrats and as Americans, with an “unyielding commitment.”

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