The Few, The Brave, The Forgotten

[ad_1]

Young citizens were part of some of America’s most violent times in history. These individuals gave up family life, jobs, and some gave up a hope for a successful and lucrative existence after they returned “from war.”

With each successive war, sentiments for veterans went from hot to cold and then back again. The most maligned solders were in the Viet Nam War. Many felt they had been betrayed by the soldiers by entering a war that was extremely unpopular with the regular citizens. However, there was one huge difference that everyone seems to forget or to set aside. During the Viet Nam War, these young defenders were “drafted”. They did not have a choice as many have in the subsequent wars that our country has engaged in. During the 60’s many left to Canada because they agreed with the populace that it was a war that was so “wrong” on many planes. This did not stop the government from drafting individuals, turning their personal lives upside down, and then, yes – they were abandoned by their government and found little solace with the people they believed they were keeping safe.

In today’s world, each individual can decide if they believe the ads put out by the military services as being “the few, the proud, and the brave.” It is up to each individual today as he/she feels about the politics of war and what they believe they can contribute to the cause. While their plight on returning is not as tragic as that of the Viet Nam Vet, they also are discovering that our great government machine continues to churn each day with new conflicts, new provocation, and the war machine is definitely keeping the American economy spinning. So, why are there more and more veterans sleeping on the streets in door- ways, and in shelters, with no place to call home; not even enjoying a warm meal on a cold winter night. Is it because no one cares, or is it that when they return, the government is more interested in their latest war venture and those they are trying to convince to join in their plans for world rule.

Fact is, if a single one of our veterans did not care about our country, did not decide to offer their services, sometimes by putting themselves in the path of death and destruction, then we would most definitely have a weak link in our chain of freedom. The only problem is that while our soldiers accomplished what they were told to do, society led by our government officials have not. There is no excuse for anyone in America to go hungry or be homeless. We are after all a “super power” and we portray to the world that we have a “super heart” with regard to liberty and freedom. The question is – why do we not consider our veterans to be a number one priority for medical, emotional, and even mental health care for not only themselves but for their families. Our first wars never heard of post traumatic stress, but it seems that our current wars do not have a clear path of why we are doing what we are doing, why the wars last for ten or more years, and it just doesn’t seem like we are treading water in keeping not only our country safer but the world as a whole.

Veterans are a cherished emblem of what we were taught to believe in as a country, the rights and laws we were taught to uphold, and how honored we were to have a military that was trained well, performed well, and when they came home – government rallied around them and helped them meet the challenges of returning to society and everyday life. But something is missing – the world is a mess, our country is more violent with each passing day, and apathy is a common disease that seems to erode our beliefs, and emotions even though in our hearts we do know that caring for the veterans especially those from past wars, such as Viet Nam is not only required but in all morality it is demanded of each and every person not to tolerate homelessness and hunger. Suicide statistics in the military are rising, and “shaking the hand” of a vet on Veteran’s Day does not give them the services and care they so richly deserve. Many are now elderly and in declining health. Scores are damaged and severely handicapped. If we as a nation can care about migrants, illegal immigrants, and give them all the governmental services they need without question, we are so very wrong. Unless every U.S. citizen takes a trip back memory lane and that very old adage – Charity Begins At Home. What this means is that OUR VETERANS deserve our full attention, monetary means, medical facilities, and care, as well as government agencies reaching out for counseling, job recruit- ment, and other “perks” that we don’t think twice about giving away to those who while maybe being “needy”, do not have to be in the predicament they are in. Our veterans have given much and currently receive so little. This is not justice to them nor to our country’s values and moral obligations.

We need to stand together, demand without stopping, and make sure that our tax dollars help our citizens who desperately need assistance and have been denied or ignored for too long and for reasons that are not fair. Veterans need everyone’s help in fighting for their rights here at home and we should gladly join their ranks in demanding as taxpayers and citizens that “our own” are first taken care of before we look elsewhere.

©Arleen Schindler

[ad_2]

Source by Arleen Schindler-Kaptur