Some days the memories still knock the wind out of me.
Anonymous
Wednesday, November 11th is Veteran’s Day. In May, on Memorial Day, we remember those who died during our wars. In November, on the 11th, we recognize and thank those who have served and those who continue to serve to protect our country. They are not suckers and losers, instead, they represent the best of us, who stand up for our ideals. And most volunteer when they are only 17, 18, or 19 years old. Still children. Sadly, though, the war is not over for our Veterans.
All is not well with many Veterans who return home from war. Some have served multiple tours. Some only served one. But many suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, aka PTSD. And it takes a toll on our Veterans. They are committing suicide at a yearly rate of over 6000. Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who never went to war. And female Veterans are 2.2 times more likely to commit suicide.
If you are a Veteran or know someone who is a Veteran who is having a hard time with the amount of isolation during 2020 Covid restrictions, then please read the VA’s recommendations on what to do.
If you want to read about other Veteran stories or even share your own, Story Corps has a special Military Voices Initiative.
I’ve written previous posts about Veteran’s Day and each shares vital information to help Vet’s in need. Please check them out as well and share resources.
When the Peace Treaty is Signed has a list of resources for families.
The Invisible Scars Hurt the Most shares apps for those tech geeks out there.
Help Those Still Suffering shares different groups who are using yoga and yoga nidra to help our Veterans…and it works.
And, as always, businesses are very generous in recognizing our Vets on November 11th. Here’s a list of Discounts for Vets. Most are only on Veteran’s Day and others are for additional days or the whole month. Some include discounts for Gold Star families as well.
Remember, it’s not just about thanking a Vet but also about taking the time to listen to them.
I think so often when we hear “Vet” we think of an old man. But of course, with our ongoing wars in the Middle East, Vets these days are often still young men. My husband and I just recently watched the wonderful, eye-opening documentary about the Afghanistan war, Restrepo. So very sad–so many young lives forever changed, or taken, for a war that never ends. I hope the Afghan peace agreement in holds up, for the soldiers over there now and for my own boys, 7 short years from selective service age. Thanks for posting this, Jennifer. Important to remember our Veterans.
During all the past wars, there was an end-goal that was tangible. Some we won, some we lost or tied. But since 2001, the wars have all been against terrorism. There is no end-goal in that. And sadly we see that because babies that were born in 2001 are now “fighting” in that very same war that was started then.
Right–very sad!
Agree, our veterans never get enough credit. Thanks for this post.
My daughter lives across the street from the VA in West Los Angeles and all along the sidewalk next to it is lined with tents drapped with flags. The vets who live in them are homeless. This makes me sick. Many of the VA facilities have old abandoned buildings. Why can’t the government make them into shelters? There are some vets who live inside the gates in tents on the grass and have access to facilities but they are still living in tents. They need more help, especially with mental health. Some prefer to live in the streets because of their mental conditions. The saddest are Vietnam vets who went through hell and were treated badly when they came back. After serving our country in wars they deserve better.
Yes, they deserve better. I agree that abandoned buildings can help homeless vets and others.
Thank you so much for bringing this post to the attention of many. Our veterans need help.
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you get to share some of these resources.