Young citizens were a part of some of the most violent moments in American history. These individuals gave up family life, work, and some gave up hope of a successful and lucrative existence after returning “from the war.”

With each successive war, feelings toward veterans went from hot to cold and then back again. The most evil solders were in the Vietnam War. Many felt that they had been betrayed by the soldiers by entering a war that was extremely unpopular with ordinary citizens. However, there was one big difference that everyone seems to forget or put aside. During the Vietnam War, these young defenders were “recruited.” They had no choice like many in the subsequent wars our country has been involved in. During the 1960s, many went to Canada because they agreed with the population that it was a war that was “wrong” on many levels. This did not stop the government from recruiting individuals, changing their personal lives and then, yes, they were abandoned by their government and found little comfort with the people they believed they were keeping safe.

In today’s world, each individual can decide if he or she believes that the advertisements put out by the military services are “the few, the proud, and the brave.” It is up to each individual today what he feels about the politics of war and what he believes he can contribute to the cause. While their plight upon returning is not as tragic as that of the Viet Nam Veteran, they are also discovering that our great government machine continues to move every day with new conflicts, new provocations, and the war machine definitely keeps the American economy going. . So why are more and more veterans sleeping rough in doorways and shelters, with no place to call home? don’t even enjoy a hot meal on a cold winter night. Is it because no one cares, or is it that when they return, the government is more interested in their latest war adventure and those they are trying to convince to join their plans for world government?

The fact is that if even one of our veterans did not care about our country, did not decide to offer his services, sometimes putting himself in the path of death and destruction, then we would definitely have a weak link in our chain of freedom. The only problem is that while our soldiers have accomplished what they were told to do, the society run by our government officials has not. There is no excuse for anyone in America to go hungry or homeless. After all, we are a “superpower” and we show the world that we have a “super heart” when it comes to freedom. The question is: why don’t we consider our veterans a number one priority for medical, emotional and even mental care, not only for themselves but also for their families? Our first wars never heard about PTSD, but it seems like our current wars don’t have a clear path as to why we’re doing what we’re doing, why wars go on for ten years or more, and it just doesn’t seem like we’re afloat. to keep not only our country safer, but the world as a whole.

Veterans are a cherished emblem of what we as a country were taught to believe in, the rights and laws we were taught to uphold, and how honored we are to have a well-trained, well-performing military, and when they returned home : The government joined them and helped them face the challenges of returning to society and daily life. But something is missing: the world is a mess, our country is more violent every day, and apathy is a common disease that seems to erode our beliefs and emotions, although in our hearts we know that taking special care of veterans of past wars , like the one in Viet Nam, is not only required, but morally required of each and every person not to tolerate homelessness and hunger. Military suicide statistics are on the rise, and “shaking hands” with a vet on Veterans Day doesn’t get them the services and care they so richly deserve. Many are now elderly and their health is deteriorating. Sheet music is damaged and severely disabled. If we as a nation can care about migrants, illegal immigrants and provide them with all the government services they need without hesitation, we are sorely mistaken. Unless every US citizen takes a trip down memory lane and that old adage: Charity begins at home. What this means is that OUR VETERANS deserve our undivided attention, monetary means, medical facilities and care, as well as government agencies seeking counseling, job recruitment and other “benefits” that we don’t think twice about giving away. those who, although they may be “needy”, do not have to be in the predicament they find themselves in. Our veterans have given much and currently receive very little. This is not justice for them or for the values ​​and moral obligations of our country.

We need to come together, demand nonstop, and make sure our tax dollars help our citizens who desperately need assistance and have been denied or ignored for far too long and for reasons that are not fair. Veterans need everyone’s help to fight for their rights here at home and we should gladly join their ranks to demand as taxpayers and citizens that we first take care of “what is ours” before looking elsewhere.

©Arleen Schindler