Today, we honor all of the veterans who have proudly served our country and put the needs of our nation above their own. There is no measuring the sacrifice these individuals have made in order to keep us safe; therefore, it’s our duty as the benefactors of these sacrifices to pay our respect to those who served by making this Veterans Day a meaningful one.
Veterans Day is about more than just saying, “Thank you for your service.” It’s about truly valuing those who put on their uniforms with integrity and dignity for the betterment of all of us. The best thing we can all do is show up for them the same way they’ve shown up for us: by fighting to make sure they get the support and services they very much deserve, including housing, jobs, health care, transitioning support, and mental health services.
Veterans Day was originally Armistice Day, in reflection of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I, as well as to pay homage to those who served then. It was later changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to include all those who served, regardless of the war.
Recognizing our veterans at a national level for their heroic sacrifices is the very least we can do, but it’s not nearly enough. Talking to a veteran or delivering them a hot meal is a great place to start, but it’s nowhere near paying back the debt that they’ve paid in service to us. When you consider that 9% of the homeless population consists of veterans, that reminds us that we still have a way to go to repaying that debt.
We need to come together so we can address veteran’s needs at a systemic level so they can get the help they need year around, not just a single holiday. We need to fight for more rapid rehousing via HUD-VASH vouchers so we can get the homeless off the streets and back on their feet again. We need to fight for more mental health services so we can help veterans before they become at-risk or suicidal. We need to fight for more robust SSI and disability services so our wounded warriors don’t have to worry about surviving in the country they so bravely fought to protect.
Make the commitment with me to serve those who served us by fighting for our veterans and the services they deserve. Make the commitment with me to not only listen to our veterans, but give them a voice in our government so they don’t ever feel forgotten. Make the commitment with me to value our veterans and service members with actions, not just words.
Veterans deserve so much more than just a single day to commemorate them, but that’s all the more reason to make this Veterans Day special by connecting with a veteran personally and expressing your gratitude directly. I can assure you that if we all do this today, no “thank you for your service” will be necessary because they will have already been felt. So, thank your local, friend or family service member with action and make this Veterans Day about them.
With Gratitude,
Lorena Garcia
