Honoring Veterans
“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it… it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.” – Unknown
“For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do so we can safely do what we’re free to do.” – Unknown
“The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.” — Abraham Lincoln
Veterans Day is here, and I’d like to thank all the veterans who have served our country.
That said, I would like to show appreciation and thank you on behalf of all Americans during this time.
Starting with all the military vets in my family:
- Sgt Jesse Beamon, Jr… United States Army…deceased
- SFC Earnest J. Caldwell…Army
- Airman Cherry Crayton…Iraq War…Air Force
- Petty Officer Robert Beamon …Navy
- Airman Kenneth Beaman…Air Force
- Sgt Charlie Caldwell…Army…Deceased
- Sgt Judge Amos…Army…World War 2…Deceased
- Lt. Linda Lewis…Army
- Sgt Charlie Walker…Army…Vietnam War…Purple Heart Recipient
- Sgt. David Beamon…Army
- Sgt. Cynthia Bradley…Army…Deceased
- Lt. James Beaman…Air Force
On this Veterans Day, we celebrate our veterans for their service to our country.
In honor of them this year, I wanted to share some reasons it’s essential to take care of your health while serving in the military.
One reason is that more than half of Americans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11;
Experienced some traumatic event —while they were overseas—that can lead to mental health problems like PTSD down the road if not dealt with properly.
Another reason is that veterans experience homelessness at a disproportionately high rate compared to the rest of the U.S. population, according to The Veterans Department.
There are more homeless veterans in Los Angeles County than anywhere else in the country.
In addition, Department of Housing and Urban Development stats show 37,252 veterans were experiencing homelessness in January 2020.
Of those veterans, 3,681 or 10% lived in Los Angeles.
Veteran homelessness increased in 19 states and Washington, D.C., between 2019 and 2020, with the most significant increases in California, Nevada, and Delaware. California accounted for 31% of all homeless veterans in the country.
Even tho…Veterans Day is a day to commemorate those who have served in the United States military;
And…
We have celebrated it since 1919, after President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day after World War I ended on November 11 of that year.
However…
It is not enough…some lost their lives; others lost body parts and suffered brain injuries. Returning home in a coffin or wounded, broken and confused.
Simply put—
This country must do more than have parades and other celebrations that do little or nothing to better living, provide jobs, and end homelessness for veterans.
Veterans Day celebration was to honor veterans for their service and sacrifice… and it is shameful how these men and women are ignored.
In conclusion…Read more
I hope you will take the time to thank a veteran today and every day.
We must continue to honor those who have served this country in uniform by serving our communities as best we can.
And it’s also essential for us to find ways of honoring them, not just on November 11 but throughout the year.
With food drives, fundraisers for veterans’ charities, or even inviting them over for Thanksgiving dinner.
They deserve nothing less than our complete “gratitude and appreciation.”
Listen/read the article at the link below…it is heartbreaking to hear this veteran describe his journey after serving.
https://www.newsweek.com/37000-us-veterans-are-homeless-i-was-one-them-opinion-1647352
They house homeless veterans in 30 tents on a sidewalk along a busy San Vicente Boulevard outside the Veteran’s Administration campus in West Los Angeles, as viewed on April 22, 2021, in Los Angeles, California. During a 2020 count, it was reported that an estimated 4,000 veterans are living on the streets of Los Angeles. GEORGE ROSE/GETTY IMAGES
https://www.washingtontimes.com/multimedia/image/ap_los_angeles_homeless_40545jpg/