I reckon it’s quite appropriate to celebrate Veterans Day just a few days after elections. After all, we need to honor and celebrate the men and women who fought to keep us the land of the free and the home of the brave, despite how those “elected” act and “govern.”
The national holiday, Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, is observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
The day falls in line with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day which are commemorated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of the first World War. Aptly dated as the major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the armistice with Germany went into effect. U.S. veteran organizations asked that,Armistice Day be renamed Veterans Day, and it was, in 1954.
In 2022, there were an estimated 16.2 million United States veterans, a little over 6% of the U.S. adult population. Six out of every 100 adults you meet are veterans. More than half are 65 and up. USANews.com informs me that there are 155,000 veterans in Mississippi. Thank goodness there have been fewer wars and not a pressing need for Armed Forces members. But these incredible men and women who put their lives on the line so we can freely speak what’s on our minds, burn flags and even kneel during the National Anthem, provide their service with a much higher cost to themselves.
Veterans’ mental health has been — and continues to be — a serious concern. While the suicide rate among veterans has dropped in the last two reported years (2019-20), it remains 57% higher than that of non-veteran adults, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Meanwhile, other independent studies suggest that data might be underestimating the scale of the issue. According to the Veterans Affairs Department, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for veterans under the age of 45. Did you read that correctly? Under the age of 45…
Veterans need our help and support and love and prayers. They’ve seen things and traveled to the ends of the earth so the rest of us don’t have to. They all live among us and we need to check in on them. Show respect and love because due to their training, they fight for others not so much for themselves.
There are many ways to help so pray earnestly what your way to help may be. Perhaps, if you’re the son or daughter of a veteran, find their discharge papers and head over to the local American Legion post and join up. Help them continue their good work in communities. That’s my plan. The veterans of American Legion Post #2 in Indianola sent me and countless others to Boys State. They help with projects around town and the county and could always use a little more help. Join up or donate but always pray for our veterans.
They’ve done so much so we don’t have to. They’ve given so much so we don’t have to. They’ve fought and been injured so we don’t have to. Find a veteran and hug and pray over them – often. And give them a big thank you.
Thank you for your service, veterans! In Jesus’ name.
