...Until a ton of problems surrounding our men and women in uniform are either solved, or seriously worked on.
When our veterans and soldiers are killing themselves at "epidemic" levels, it's time to stop celebrating and start working.
When there are a staggering amount of veterans who are homeless, it is time to stop celebrating and start working.
When our healthcare system, specifically designed to provide support to our veterans, fails so spectacularly that veterans have died, needlessly...well, thankfully on this front the work has at least started, with a new VA Secretary, and as VetWife's diary today discusses, there appears to be some work happening on this front. But it doesn't bring back the victims, or immediately ease the suffering of those who may still be waiting.
When nearly 4500 men and women died for a war of desire, as opposed to a war of necessity, it is time to stop celebrating and start working.
..........
If you go on Facebook or Twitter today, you are bound to see a lot of your friends and family posting patriotic messages about "Thanking a Veteran" today.
I have family members who either have, or are, serving in some capacity in the US Armed Forces. I am not saying do not thank a Veteran. By all means, thank a Veteran today. There's nothing wrong with that.
But I am espousing what the flag-wavers may find to be an unpopular opinion.
There is no reason to "Celebrate" Veteran's Day in the way that most people choose to do it.
Sure, businesses who are offering "freebies" to Veterans today is kind of cool. I am not against a gesture of goodwill towards men and women who have or do wear the uniform.
But I am against people blindly "Celebrating" a holiday by making a social media post with an inspirational quote and/or an American Flag, going to get some free food somewhere, and calling it a day.
I am against the lionization of service men and women when it's time to bomb another country, but when they come back and need help they get the cold shoulder...from craven politicians and an overburdened administration.
Recognizing our Veterans and their service is one thing.
But with all the systemic failures that Uncle Sam has wrought on his citizens who have dedicated their lives, given their bodies, and in some cases their souls for this country and the remainder of the citizens that live here...
We need to stop "celebrating" this day, and start working to actually provide the care and service to our Veterans that they have absolutely earned and deserve.
When we've made progress in making the lives of our Veterans better...then maybe we can legitimately celebrate again.