Have you ever heard someone remark that history is in the past and we should leave it there? What if we did forget the past and all the people who worked so hard and gave so much to create the country we live in today? Let’s talk about why it’s important to remember America’s veterans and honor them.
Veterans Shaped Our Country
When people talk about disregarding history and leaving the past in the past, little do they know they are talking about ignoring the people and events that led the United States to become everything it is today: the untold numbers of brave men and women who selflessly protected our country as part of the Armed Services. Giving up their everyday lives as citizens, each one of these brave individuals stepped into roles that changed their lives forever. They became the backbone and the guardians of the safety and freedom of every man, woman, and child in America.
They Left Everything Behind
Veterans were quite often shipped off to serve their country and foreign lands, alone and far away from their homes and families. Take just a moment to imagine that, to put yourself in their shoes. It’s enough to give anyone pause. Add to that the fact that so many of them were also facing death at the hands of an enemy they had never seen before, laying down their lives to protect everyone back home, and it transports us to another level of appreciation for our veterans and gives us a respect for them that is unmatched.
Teaching the Next Generation
Our children need to learn and understand what it means to be a veteran. As we pray that our country will never again see war or be called upon to send more troops away from our shores and its defense, we must also remember and honor those who served in the past. Veterans have not only provided an invaluable service, but they continue to draw on their experiences to educate and encourage our young people today.
Veterans instill a sense of honor, appreciation, and patriotism like no one else can. As the people who lived through these times and experiences, veterans can paint a picture for young people who may have only seen them glossed over in movies or, as happens frequently these days, glamorized and made to seem “fun” in video games. Our veterans keep the past alive in a real way. We must always remember them and their ability to teach our children about the true value – and high cost – of freedom. Let everyone know that you fly a beautiful nylon American flag outside your home for a reason. These are things that cannot be learned from a textbook.
We Owe Our Veterans a Great Debt
We must never forget the debt we owe our veterans. Remembering them and everything they sacrificed for us to be able to live free to this day is the responsibility of every American. Whether it’s thanking a veteran for their service when we see them at the local supermarket, saluting them in parades, taking part in fundraisers for them, and making sure others are aware of opportunities to honor vets in the community, everyone can find a way to give to our veterans from the heart.
Depending on your platform, you may be in a position to help even more. For example, writing a blog or organizing an event to raise funds for the needs of homeless veterans is a great way to call attention to a huge need. This is one of the most important reasons we must remember those who have served this country, and while we can never repay them in full for their bravery and sacrifices, we can all do something to show our appreciation and to ensure that their service to our country is never forgotten.
They Remember and We Should Too
So many veterans are still paying a terrible price for having defended our country. They suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and several other conditions and mental health issues Directly related to their service in the armed forces. Many of these problems will affect them for the rest of their lives.
Speaking of their lives, the suicide rate among veterans between the ages of 18 – 64 is heartbreaking. According to missionrollcall.org, 22 to 24 veterans in this age group commit suicide every day. From feeling alone and abandoned to not being able to escape the horrors that still affect them from their past, many veterans see suicide as the only relief from the nightmare they are living. By remembering them and all they have endured, we may be able to help save lives. Being there to listen and offer comfort, companionship, and compassion, and to help them find professional help when needed can make all the difference.
Conclusion
Our veterans, our heroes, deserve to be remembered every day of the year, not just on less than a handful of holidays. We owe them gratitude for every bit of freedom we have, and we owe them our unwavering respect and support. Anyone who believes we should “forget” all that and “leave it in the past” is very sadly mistaken.
