It seems for more years than I can even recall off the top of my head, our nation has been involved in some conflict, some war. Bravely, these men and women answer the call when I can only imagine how difficult it must be to do. I know most feel it’s their calling, a sense of patriotic duty, still it has to be hard. It has to be hard to say goodbye to family members, to friends, to homes and venture abroad unsure of the return date, if there is one.
Yet, they do it every day. In our communities they answer the call. Young men and women, many of whom were in high school not that ago, answer the call no matter how dangerous, how threatening or how long it may take. They do so for one reason: the greatest country on this planet.
If you ask people, they’ll tell you they are thankful for veterans. They will tell you they appreciate all they’ve done. Yet, how many donate money, even a little, to veterans’ groups? How many write letters to their elected officials demanding better benefits for our men and women once their call of duty is complete?
How many wonder if wounded veterans are getting the necessary care they need, whether it be physical or mental? What do we do for those family members who have had loved ones taken away from them or will not have a reunion at the airport?
It doesn’t take much to get people riled up these days. Republicans bash Democrats for being Democrats.
It’s same on the other side of the aisle as Democrats bash Republicans for, well, being Republicans.
There is debate about whether we should be in this war or whether this conflict is worth sacrificing American troops. For as vital it is to debate those things, we must never forget those on the front lines of these battles, day in and day out. Week in and week out. Month after month they serve, sometimes multiple tours of duty.
Oh, we say we’re thankful and some may even fly an American flag at their residence. Yet, how many really speak up on behalf of veterans? How many take their actions beyond talk and demand better treatment, better pay, better benefits, better care for those who have served?
On this day in 2009, we honor those who have served. We salute them with our thanks and may even tell some how much we appreciate them.
Yet, isn’t it time we did more? Isn’t it time we all came together across the political spectrum and demanded more from Washington when it comes to the brave men and women who serve and have served?
I long for the day when thousands turn out with signs filled with slogans demanding more for veterans. That’s a cause I think all Americans should get behind, regardless of political persuasion.
Oh, how I long for that day.
Chris Bridges is the editor of the Barrow Journal. E-mail comments about this column to cbridges@barrowjournal.com.
