Fraternity-Testvériség, 1968 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1968-01-01 / 1. szám

— AN OPEN LETTER TO MY SON —

In a short time you will he going to war. This is the day I have dreaded since you were horn, hut a day I knew must come. In the past few months you have been asked to make many sacrifices and in the months to come, you will he asked to make many more. These sacrifices will not be for naught. There will he a minority who won’t agree. Don’t ever believe them, son. There are millions of people who support you, who are behind you and the thousands of boys like you, one hundred percent.

This country was founded on sacrifices made by people like you, who believed in what they were fighting and dying for and this has made our country strong. You told me, “Mom, if I should have to die, I want you to know that I know and understand what I will he dying for and I believe in it with all my heart. I am not afraid to die and I don’t want to die, but I will if I must. And if by my going to war and maybe dying will keep my younger brothers from having to face this, it will be well worth it.”

I have tried to instill love of God, home and country in you and I can see that I have. Don’t ever he ashamed of this love, for it is far stronger than any other. You stand so straight and you are proud of your uniform. I know this to be true for I can see it in your eyes when you wear it. You seem to stand inches taller in your uniform. I am so very proud of you; you have always been a source of pride to me. There have been times when I have been disappointed in you, as I’m sure you have been in me. But the reason we get disappointed in our loved ones is because we know they are capable of doing better. The goodness in you far outshines any faults you may have.

You have volunteered for this job and at times I know you have had misgivings, and I have seen a tinge of fear in your eyes. Don't he ashamed, as this is natural. I know you will face this fear squarely, know it for what it is and overcome it. Í know you don’t want to go to -war, but also, I know you feel this a duty and obligation you must do. I wish with all my heart that you and other hoys didn’t have to fight, hut until people learn to live together peacefully, there will be wars and men will have to die.

What I am trying to say is that there are many people who will feel an undying gratitude for you men who must go to war and fight for the ones who must stay behind, and we will not let you down. This I promise you.

Go with God, my son. Go, knowing my heart and prayers will be with you constantly and thank you for being my son and making me proud.

* Mom is Darlene F. Cook who wrote this letter to her son, Thom, prior to his departure for Vietnam to join his airborne brigade.

KNOW YOUR INSURANCE INSURANCE TERMS —

Paid-Up Insurance Insurance on which all required premiums have been paid. The term is frequently used to mean the reduced paid-up insurance available as a nonforfeiture option.

Participating Insurance Insurance on which the policyholder is entitled to receive policy dividends reflecting the difference between the premium charged and actual experience. The premium is calculated to provide some margin over the anticipated cost of the insurance protection.

Permanent Life Insurance A phrase used to cover any form of life insurance except term; generally insurance, such as whole life or endowment, that accrues cash value.

Policy The printed document stating the terms of the insurance contract that is issued to the policyholder by the company.

Policy Dividend A refund of part of the premium on a participating life insurance policy reflecting the difference between the premium charged and actual experience.

Policy Loan A loan made by an insurance company to a policyholder on the security of the cash value of his policy.

Policy Reserves The amounts that an insurance company allocates specifically for the fulfillment of its policy obligations. Reserves are so calculated that, together with future premiums and interest earnings, they will enable the company to pay all future claims.

Preauthorized Check Plan A plan by which a policyholder arranges with his bank and insurance company to have his premium payments drawn, usually monthly, from his checking account.

Premium The payment, or one of the periodical payments, a policyholder agrees to make for an insurance policy.

Premium Loan A policy loan made for the purpose of paying premiums.

Rated Policy An insurance policy issued at higher than standard premium rate to cover the extra-risk involved in certain cases where the insured has impaired health or a hazardous occupation.

Reduced Paid-Up Insurance A form of insurance available as a nonforfeiture option. It provides for continuation of the original insurance plan, but for a reduced amount.

Renewable Term Insurance Term insurance which can be renewed at the end of the term, at the option of the policyholder and without evidence of insurability, for a limited number of successive terms. The rates increase at each renewal as the age of the insured increases.

Revival The reinstatement of a lapsed policy by the company upon receipt of evidence of insurability and payment of past due premiums with interest.

Settlement Option One of the ways, other than immediate payment in a lump sum, in which the policyholder or beneficiary may choose to have the policy proceeds paid.

Stock Life Insurance Company A life insurance company owned by stockholders who elect a board to direct the company’s management. Stock companies, in general, issue nonparticipating insurance, but may also issue participating insurance.

Straight Life Insurance Whole life insurance on which premiums are payable for life.

Supplementary Contract An agreement between a life insurance company and a policyholder or beneficiary by which the company retains the cash sum payable under an insurance policy and makes payments in accordance with the settlement option chosen.

Term Insurance Insurance payable to a beneficiary at the death of the insured provided death occurs within a specified period, such as five or ten years, or before a specified age.

Underwriting The process by which an insurance company determines whether or not and on what basis it will accept an application for insurance.

Waiver of Premium A provision that under certain conditions an insurance policy will be kept in full force by the company without further payment of premiums. It is used most often in the event of total and permanent disability.

Whole Life Insurance Insurance payable to a beneficiary at the death of the insured whenever that occurs. Premiums may be payable for a specified number of years (limited payment life) or for life (straight life).

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