Do More Than Thank a Veteran this Veterans Day

It seems that Veterans Day has switched from honoring our veterans to just another day for a sale. A few years ago, in San Diego, the annual Veterans Day parade almost did not happen due a lack of funds. Read lack of interest. The next year there was nothing. That year, not one of my fellow employees acknowledged Veterans Day or my being a veteran. (I was wearing a polo shirt with the name of one of the ships I served on in Vietnam.)

Apart from the veterans of World War II, the federal government has done a poor job of taking care of veterans. It appears veterans are expected to give their all during their service. As soon as their enlistment or commission is over, America and Congress forget about us. VA benefits are slashed, facilities are closed, and the government sides with the manufacturers of the weapons to the detriment of the veterans. For example, Vietnam veterans had to fight two wars: the one in the jungles of Southeast Asia, and the other in the courts at home over Agent Orange.