Tomorrow is Veterans Day, one of the days set aside to honor members of the military who have sacrificed for our country. When we think of those in the armed forces, we often think of their physical sacrifices: bodily danger, extreme heat and cold, packaged meals, irregular sleep, and the list goes on.
But there are other sacrifices the members of the military make, and many are invisible to us. I live near one of the airports where, every day, more than 100 soldiers arrive on their way home for two weeks of rest and recuperation (R&R). And every day various groups assemble to welcome them by cheering, shaking their hands, and giving them tokens of appreciation. I applaud this activity and encourage everyone to volunteer to participate in any kind of military welcome or recognition.
But what happens when these men and women pass through the crowds and beyond the hero’s welcome? Do they receive this kind of special treatment during their two weeks? I fear they do not. Many must find their own way and may return to places where no one truly appreciates their sacrifices. If they are in the reserves, they likely have to deal with reduced pay and the prospect that their civilian job may not be there when their tour of duty ends. In fact, for many veterans, returning to the ‘real world’ can be as unreal and bewildering as navigating unfamiliar territory in a faraway land.
As always, I encourage all of us to take a moment tomorrow to honor our veterans in whatever way is right for us. Perhaps we can send a care package to soldiers overseas. Or donate to a fund that provides services to veterans. Or volunteer our time and talents at a local veterans organization. Whatever we do, we should remember both the visible and the invisible hardships our veterans must endure. A hero’s welcome is a wonderful gesture, but the support we show after the celebration may make a more lasting difference.
Sincerely,
Daniel J. Thomas
Chairman of the Board
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