Veterans deserve more than just a one-day commemoration

[SugarDaddy1]

Every Veterans Day, it may be worthwhile to take some moments to acknowledge our debt to those who have worn the U.S. uniform . It would be even better to make a longer-lasting commitment.

The commitment could come in any number of forms, ranging from attitudinal to more overt action. An entry-level commitment could involve an intellectual-emotional investment in understanding, at a deeper level, the actual experiences of veterans’ service, triumphs, and sacrifices. Just the time it takes to read one full book about service personnels' experiences can bolster appreciation in a way that can lead to salutary action.

And so many more. But, of course, while reading can bolster admiration for those who serve, the need exists for more concrete action on their behalf. Perhaps the action can take the form of support for legislation. For example, in the past decade, Congress has significantly expanded the ability of veterans to receive medical care in the private sector rather than only at Veterans Affairs facilities, but why not make the freedom almost absolute ? And in 2022, Congress passed the PACT Act to provide more treatment for veterans who were exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, but why did it exclude those who served during the 1980s or at nuclear sites , and shouldn’t that oversight be fixed?

As then-President Teddy Roosevelt said more than a century ago, “A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards.” In any way we can, we should all strive to ensure that giving veterans a square deal is not just a one-day nod of the head but an ongoing commitment. Veterans Day is a worthy celebration, but it should be the start, not the be-all and end-all, of how this nation honors the men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom.

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/...eserve-more-than-just-a-one-day-commemoration

 

[Starfire6369]

As a veteran (12 years USAF) we do. Many places offer discounts year round. If you deemed a month as Veterans Month I believe it would detract from solemnity and seriousness of our service. We also have our different branches birthdays and for those that gave all Memorial Day.

If you wanted a month or week dedicated to veterans I would propose an Armed Forces History type so people learn what we did and why

BTW, I wasn't Chair Force, I was TACP stationed with the Army 11.5 of the 12 years

 

[ll74]

More than anything, in my experience and friendships with veterans, providing a network of support is the most valuable thing we can give them.

I haven't yet seen a vet not get thanked or acknowledged almost every day of the year.

 

[BabyBoomer50s]

A Veterans Day parade was held at my granddaughter’s elementary school the other day. The kids lined the corridors cheering and waving American flags as their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and other heroes and heroines in their lives who served or are active in the armed services marched in the parade. It was an awesome sight to see.

 

[SubzeroGirl]

They deserve more than we can ever give them. I’m not sure if offering to buy them a cup of coffee or tea would be welcome from a stranger. Maybe a $5 coffee card, I think that would be a nice gesture.

 

[RoryN]

Thank you to those who served.

Thank you for the thread, SugarPussy.

 

[ll74]

They deserve more than we can ever give them. I’m not sure if offering to buy them a cup of coffee or tea would be welcome from a stranger. Maybe a $5 coffee card, I think that would be a nice gesture.

My Father in law randomly had his steak dinner paid for by a stranger a few months ago. It's all he's talked about since.

 

[ll74]

Veteran's Day is enough.

We gotta learn to stop kissing the asses of people who did a job and got paid to do it.
This includes military, cops, "first responders," etc.

Yes, it was only a 9-5 job like those that worked at McDonalds.

Way to put things in proper perspective, deep thinker.

 

[Sean Renaud]

They aren't entirely wrong but that being said the real issue here is the people who proclaim to care about vets don't.

 

[Philthy_Phil]

Americans are such dramatic dipshits. lol

 

[ll74]

I guess your need to kiss ass is greater than my desire to have mine kissed.

Yes, you think this is about kissing ass and are ok with that.

And you believe that's a bad reflection on me.

 

[Chernosoth]

Replacing any or all of the pointless and stupid holidays with Go Down on a Vet Day would be fine.

 

[ChloeTzang]

 

[YDB95]

For what it's worth, some vets really don't like to be thanked. Make of that what you will, but it's worth keeping in mind that they don't all feel the same way about this.

As for the OP, the Washington Examiner has always been a cheerleader against any kind of program that would help veterans in need.

 

[RoryN]

For what it's worth, some vets really don't like to be thanked.

^^^
Describes my father.

 

[Sean Renaud]

For what it's worth, some vets really don't like to be thanked. Make of that what you will, but it's worth keeping in mind that they don't all feel the same way about this.

As for the OP, the Washington Examiner has always been a cheerleader against any kind of program that would help veterans in need.

Cus its annoying as fuck. I think one of the things people really don't get is that not everybody joins out of a strong sense of patriotism. There is a reason why minorities are over represented in the military. People without a lot of options real or perceived are the exact kind of people that recruiters seek out. I didn't want to flip burgers or work at Vons. In hindsight I'd be a manager by now if I'd gone to Vons and stuck it out.

 

[YDB95]

^^^
Describes my father.

Mine too, and he was also the one who talked me out of joining.

 

[Wonderer67]

I have never met a vet who misses the “day to day bullshit” of serving, but everyone can agree that it was the people and the humor and the funny shit that made it all worthwhile.

And “serving something that is bigger than you.” (It means something different to everyone). I realize I have set myself up here.

And for that I thank all of my brothers and sisters on Veterans Day +1.

 

[Fuzzy1975]

Still, be sure to thank the next cop

I don't know too many Cops who signed on to be thanked. Like you they have their reasons for serving the public, which is exactly what a soldier is dong.

who steals your money for driving "too fast"

Enforcing the laws is not stealing

and endangering absolutely no one.

https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/speeding/
https://torontosun.com/news/local-n...killed-three-sentenced-to-six-years-in-prison

Right, speeding's a meaningless offence and offenders should be given a great big hug....You're stuck on stupid.