November 11, 2016 (Friday)
Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, ended World War I, “the war to end all wars.”
November 11 is now known as “Veterans’ Day,” and is a day to honor all those who have served their country in the armed forces.
There are 7 million Vietnam War veterans. There are 5.5 million who served during the Gulf War era, 1.1 million who served in World War II; 2.0 million who served in the Korean War; and 4.4 million who served in peacetime only. (2014 statistics).
There are 300 million of us Americans who are not veterans. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those who have served. A veteran’s support group suggests we do the following:
Give Veterans an opportunity to tell their stories.
Respect Veterans’ service, their feelings, and any suggestions they might offer.
Thank Veterans for their service to our country.
When approaching Veterans for their participation, consider bringing another Veteran with you.
Show appreciation for the families of Veterans.
Always be sincere, caring, compassionate and ready and able to listen to what a Veteran or his or her family member has to share about the situation they are dealing with.
Be supportive and non-judgmental and always validate their feelings and concerns.
Be honest, sincere, caring and respectful.
Accept, without judgment, the Veteran as he/she is.
It might take longer for some Veterans to trust you. Be patient and listen.
Expect the Veteran’s sharing to occur over a period of time.
We need to remember that our freedoms are possible because of those who protect us. Be sure to thank a Veteran today.
