With another election behind us, Veterans Day approaches on Nov. 11. Opportunities to remember our veterans include a new exhibit opening on Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Barton County Historical Society Museum, as well as multiple programs at schools and cemeteries on Friday and Saturday.
This is a time for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Without their service, we could not enjoy the freedoms enshrined in our Bill of Rights and our election day would have been meaningless.
Unlike Memorial Day, when we remember those who gave their lives for our country, Veterans Day is a time to honor all who have served the country – past and present, in war or peace. It is an excellent time to say thank you to veterans still living.
Attending one of the Veterans Day programs or parades is a way to show support in person. Flying an American flag, wearing a red poppy or taking a moment of silence for reflection are also ways to honor veterans.
Sometimes, people appear to be unaware of how much our veterans have done for us. The Korean War was called “The Forgotten War,” overshadowed by World War II. Of the veterans who saw combat in the Vietnam War, 90% are proud today to have served their country, even though many found it difficult to adjust to life when they returned home, in part because of how they were treated. In 2016, no official Defense Department observance was held in Washington, D.C., for the 25th anniversary of America’s victory in Operation Desert Storm, although for the 30th anniversary there was a ceremony at the Pentagon celebrating those veterans. We shouldn’t wait until years or decades after the fact to show appreciation to those who serve in conflicts.
The U.S. Defense Department estimates 832,000 American soldiers have served in Afghanistan from 2001-2021. The Combat Wounded Veterans (combatwounded.org) reports there are more than 2.5 million military veterans since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, and 80% of them spent some time in an overseas combat zone. While most of them joined the military to serve our nation and 94% are proud of their service, 22 veterans commit suicides every day, 30% of vets have disabilities as a result of their service, over 48,000 are homeless or at risk, and many are diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress or a depressive disorder. No wonder that 84% of veterans say that the American public has little awareness of the challenges facing them and their families.
A time for healing should come sooner rather than later. This Veterans Day and every day, we owe our thanks to all who served.
— Susan Thacker
