For years, America has been involved in many wars. Many brave men and women have fought to protect our country and better our society. Many have lost their lives doing so, and it is difficult to show them honor now. But to the service men and women who are still here and have worked along side those who are now deceased, we can show honor. They fought just as hard for the same causes as their fellow soldiers who have lost their lives.
Many heroes have recently returned from the Middle East with both good and bad news. Their efforts have paid off, but oftentimes, their comrades whom they have grown to regard as friends have been killed in the line of duty while protecting those who made it out alive.
I believe that returning veterans suffer the most from war because they must live every day with the thought, “That could have been me.” They know that they often cheated death, but only because of their buddies. And for that they need comfort.
Many veterans who have returned from the service are injured and cannot find jobs. Their purple heart often earns them a cold shoulder. Even some able-bodied veterans find it impossible to find work so they can pay for a home. As a result, many become homeless. Is this any way to treat those who have spent years wearing only green and brown? Is this any way to treat those who have eaten food that some wouldn’t even feed to a dog? Is this any way to treat those who have had only a few hours of sleep during a good week, facing every new day, knowing it could be their last?
They have sacrificed everything just so you could be free. The least we can do is assist them. We need to help them find jobs, and make sure they are safe. Now, we must be the ones to protect them.
Imagine waking up one morning and being told that you are being sent to a foreign country that has only known turmoil. Imagine having an assignment to bring peace to the area. Imagine arriving fearful, but then watching the local children play and grow, only to see them abused, or even massacred along with your comrades. Imagine feeling perplexed, because the locals who you saw survive are left behind in danger.
This is the life veterans have lived. The government can only give veterans awards and money for compensation. But the government cannot show them love and comfort. It is our job as average citizens to respect those who risked their lives for us, expecting nothing in return. We must give them the love that they have missed for far too long.
Everything you have, your rights, home, and family is, in one way or another, protected by a veteran. They didn’t have to, but they wanted to protect you. So why don’t we try to protect them for once?
