Happy Veterans’ Day. For those of you who live in the U.S., you know that this holiday was traditionally celebrated on November 11th. When it became fashionable to move holidays to Mondays, it is now celebrated on the Monday closest to the date.
For years, the military of the United States has been a driving force in protecting the population of the globe. Our brave mean and women serve all over the world, and their service takes them far from their families, homes, and friends.
I’m a Veteran, and so is my husband, and three out of my four children served in the military. In fact, my daughter and her husband are still serving. One could say that we’re a military family, but my daughter and her husband are the only career soldiers.
Perhaps all these familial ties make me a bit more preoccupied with the lack of respect and love our Veterans receive in the United States. Despite the political rhetoric, Veterans receive the worst care of anyone in the U.S. They must go to overcrowded facilities, put themselves on waiting lists for services, and receive NO help for long periods.
The troops returning home from the current fronts are facing new challenges. Rather than coming home in body bags, they return home, but they are missing parts and have far-reaching injuries. Due to the nature of the fighting, we have more soldiers, airmen, sailors, and Marines returning to the U.S. with Traumatic Brain Injuries and Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder.
These injuries require more care than a surgery or two. It is impossible to hand someone a ‘crutch’ and walk away. We need to make sure there is more being done.
OK, I’ll get off my soapbox, BUT please take the time to THANK someone for their service today.
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