From the Archives: What Veterans Day Means Every November 11, we celebrate Veterans Day. It is a time to honor those who have worn the uniform of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It isnt political, it has nothing to do with Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, The Tea Party, or otherwise. It is one of the few times a year, no matter who we are, we can stand united and be thankful for those who fought for what we have. Since 1775 millions of men and women have stepped up and said in one loud, decisive voice that “I will guard the line against the darkness, and I will lay down my life if necessary”. Some of them have worn blue, some have worn gray, some have worn tan, khaki, green and a host of other colors. Some came from the industrial centers in the North, some from small farms and hamlets in the South. Some were rich, some were poor, and many were in between. Black, White, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and everything in between. Every one of them American, all willing to give the last full measure of devotion. Since September 11, 2001 it has become fashionable to pay lip service to those who have served, and those who continue to serve. It is now a time for all of us to stand up and recognize that we need action, not words. Veteran unemployment is on the rise, and is projected to go even higher. The suicide rate among active duty, reserve, and veterans of all branches is unacceptable. Regardless of who you are, what you believe politically, this is a time for us to stand together and in one voice declare that its time to fight for those who have fought for us. My military career has taught me a lot since that day in 2004 I shoved my right hand into the air and said the oath of enlistment. Ive had plenty of good times, Ive also had plenty of bad times, and Ive made well more than my share of mistakes. But I was blessed to serve with men and women who I am proud to say are my heroes. Soldiers who, no matter how sick, how tired, how beaten down they were; got up every day and quietly and competently handled their business. I was blessed with leaders who cared about the men and women in their charge, and to this day still keep in contact with them even long after weve all moved on to new assignments or civilian life. But the family that is the military cannot be counted on alone to take care of our veterans. It is up to our civilian leadership, our business and health sectors, and our population in general to stand up and make sure that not one veteran goes unemployed, not one veteran is without a place to live, and not one veteran feels so hopeless that they feel compelled to take their own life. For those who have read this far, I thank you for taking the time out of your day. I also ask, and encourage you to seek out organizations like Active Heroes, the Wounded Warrior Project, and GallantFew.org and donate time, money, or anything else you can to make a difference. Please Visit: fundraise.activeheroes.org/andrewburns Wounded Warrior Project - woundedwarriorproject.org/ GallantFew - gallantfew.org/
Posted on: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 18:41:26 +0000
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