A Veterans Day Tribute

A Veterans Day Tribute

by Donna Teresa

On Nov. 11, let us join together and pay tribute to those great Americans we call our nation’s veterans.

Today, a new president has been chosen to lead this country and much will be expected of him. All of us have hopes and dreams that better days are ahead for our country. I have my own wish that this new president and Congress will make a commitment not to forget our veterans.

Those who are elected to lead this country have a long list of urgent needs and concerns. But, let there be no mistake, our veterans are not a burden. I hope these new leaders will do the right thing by making sure new veteran legislation will be created and help given to all veterans, from every war, who need it.

Congress came together to pass a new GI Bill, which was long overdue. Hopefully, this is a sign that continued productive and positive attention will come to veterans’ issues in Washington with this new administration.

Our veterans are unique individuals, with different war experiences. Many carry memories that have weighed heavy on the mind, heart and soul. They come home with hopes they will welcomed back and appreciated.

Numerous military families, volunteer organizations, schools and communities are doing their part to give our men and women in uniform the welcome back they deserve and continue to offer support to our troops deployed all over the world.

My thanks to the many doctors, nurses and staff members taking care of our wounded warriors in hospitals in America and abroad. Without their generous support, our troops would certainly not get the attention they need and I’m grateful for all that you do to show your kindness to our military. Many hands heal and touch a lot of hearts. Our troops need to know we remember them.

As I do every Veterans Day, I’d like to thank each and every veteran who has served our country. It has been my honor to get to know so many of you. I have sat with many of you and listened to your stories, and read the countless e-mails from across America and the Middle East, and I’m simply humbled that you want to speak with me and share stories about your war experiences and the concerns you have about your fellow veterans.

If improvements have come in veteran health care and benefits, you can thank veterans for their loyalty and commitment to one another. It is the veteran voice that has led to more awareness and improvements to the quality of life for their comrades.

When I first became a veteran volunteer and advocate many years ago, I prepared myself to expect moments of joy, laughter and tears, and I have experienced all three with them and their families. I’m always in awe of their unwavering love of their country, even through the tough times. They’ve inspired me to love and do more for my country.

What I didn’t expect to see were the many cracks in the sidewalk and so many of our veterans falling through them. Those cracks need to be filled in and our veterans lifted up with a promise that America cares for them and their future. I’ll never lose hope that it will happen.

They have served on land, air and sea and more important, they have served for all of us. As the poet Maya Angelou said, "How important it is to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes."

And how important it is indeed. Happy Veterans Day to our veterans everywhere. And, "thank you."

Donna Teresa can be reached at [email protected]