Speech I'll be giving in a couple hours:
Veterans Day traditionally honors all who have served in the U.S. military. And while we are here to honor all of those great men and women today, we should remember the motto of the National Commander of The American Legion, James Koutz (Cow ts) - that “Every Day is Veterans Day”. We should all strive to serve our veterans as well as they have served their nation.
We must also honor all of their families of veterans- not just with Blue and Gold Star Banners, but with compassionate hearts. PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury and life-altering war wounds not only affect the veteran, but can also take an enormous toll on the family as well.
The American Legion shows its support through numerous programs such as the Family Support Network, Temporary Financial Assistance, the National Emergency Fund and Operation Comfort Warriors, just to name a few.
Sometimes all that is needed is a simple ‘thank you’ directed at the veteran or the family member for his or her sacrifice.
Part of that sacrifice too often includes unemployment or underemployment when the veteran’s military service is over.
Companies should understand that it’s smart business to hire veterans, and when members of the Guard and Reserves deploy, it is America’s business to ensure that their civilian careers do not suffer.
It is tragic that the men and women who allow us to be safe in our homes are often without homes themselves when they shed their uniforms. One-in-four of America’s homeless are veterans. Nine-out-of-ten were honorably discharged and nearly half served during the Vietnam War.
Too often today’s tattered citizen of the street was yesterday’s toast-of-the-town in a crisp uniform with rows of shining medals. This is hardly the “thanks of a grateful nation.”
While fewer than 10 percent of Americans can claim the honorable title “U.S. military veteran,” this special group often provides the vital services that enable our communities to function.
Chances are that if you surveyed our local police or fire department, you would find that a disproportionately high amount of its members are veterans.
When an emergency hits, there is a good chance that it is a veteran that is first to respond.
Whether it’s a school teacher, construction worker or first responder, military veterans take their missions seriously. They also take their responsibilities as citizens seriously.
For those accomplishments, sacrifices, and for their dedication, we must always be grateful.
God bless you all for being here, God bless our veterans and God bless America.
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