As Veterans Day approaches, we see the familiar displays of patriotism and gratitude towards our brave men and women who have served in the military. We see the parades, the flag-waving, and the heartfelt “thank yous” from strangers. But as the day passes and the celebrations come to an end, many veterans are left feeling forgotten and betrayed.
It’s a sad reality that veterans are often celebrated on Veterans Day, but quickly forgotten about after election day. Politicians use our service and sacrifice as a tool to gain votes, promising to support us and improve our lives. But once they are elected, those promises seem to fade away and we are left to fend for ourselves.
We are tired of being thanked for our service in public, only to be stabbed in the back in private. We are tired of being used as pawns in political games, while our needs and struggles are ignored. We are tired of being treated as heroes one day and then struggling to receive basic healthcare and support the next.
It’s not just about the lack of support from politicians, but also from society as a whole. Many veterans face challenges such as PTSD, physical injuries, and difficulty transitioning back to civilian life. Yet, these issues are often overlooked and misunderstood by the general public. We are expected to simply move on and integrate back into society, without any understanding or support.
It’s time for a change. It’s time for society to truly honor and support our veterans, not just on one designated day, but every day. It’s time for politicians to follow through on their promises and truly advocate for the needs of veterans. It’s time for us to stop being seen as just a symbol of patriotism, but as real individuals with real struggles and needs.
We don’t want empty gestures or token displays of gratitude. We want tangible support and action. We want access to quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities. We want to be understood and accepted by society, not just on Veterans Day, but every day.
But it’s not just up to politicians and society to make a change. As veterans, we also have a responsibility to speak up and advocate for ourselves. We must use our voices to raise awareness and demand the support and resources we deserve. We must also support and uplift our fellow veterans, because no one understands our struggles better than we do.
So this Veterans Day, let’s not just celebrate with parades and ceremonies, but let’s also take action. Let’s use this day as a reminder to continue fighting for the support and recognition we deserve. Let’s honor our fallen comrades by standing up for the living veterans who continue to face challenges every day.
To all the veterans out there, know that you are not forgotten. Your service and sacrifice will always be appreciated and honored. And to society and politicians, let’s not just thank veterans for their service, but let’s also show them our support and gratitude through our actions. Let’s make every day Veterans Day.
