Remembering our Veterans

November 14, 2012
by Kendra

Community Getting Involved

This past Friday I had the pleasure of working the annual Veteran’s Day Reception for a second time. My father did not serve in the military and neither did my brother, cousins, uncles or aunts. But my two grandfathers did serve in the navy during WWII. So even though I do not have an immediate connection to the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, I feel a profound respect and gratitude for the services these people provide for our country.

I remember growing up and asking my grandfather to tell me stories about the war, he’d calmly respond with ‘another time’ or ‘when you’re older.’ Sadly I missed the opportunity to learn about their war experiences as they both passed away before I was ‘old enough’ to know more. Both of my grandfathers were quiet, reserved men. Was this a result of their generation? Or because of the war they lived through?

As we learn about wounded warriors, unemployment rates for our veterans, and the high prevalence of PTSD, I wonder what it was like for them. Did they have nightmares? Did they struggle to make a civilian life for themselves? Did they carry old wounds and bear the pain in solitude? Although I will never know the answers to these questions, I can use my curiosity to help the soldiers returning from war, and going back to war today.

During the reception, the keynote speaker stressed the importance of community and support. She applauded the closeness of the military family, but she also reminded us all that there is a community of support and aide outside of the military. As she remarked on the quiet, invisible effects of war I saw people bow their heads in silent agreement, and as she talked about assimilating back into civilian life and missing the war, again I saw agreement and was it guilt? Confusion? The military is about more than training soldiers, it offers a family and a bond that these people will carry for the rest of their lives. If I were in their shoes I’d feel confused, why should I want to go back there? But what is really missed is the feeling that someone will always have your back. Suddenly you’re home and without the safety net you came to rely upon overseas. That is a special and unique feeling, and once you have it you’ll always want to keep it with you.

This is why we must welcome our soldiers with open arms. We must provide medical, social, and occupational support. We need to show them our gratitude not just through educational opportunities and annual receptions, but by instilling the confidence in them that we will always and forever support our troops on the battlefield and at home.

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