Veterans Day, two words that describe countless lives.
In the hustle and bustle of the holidays, each year, Veterans Day falls. However, after the 24 hours are over and the parade remnants are cleaned off the street, the sacrifice and service of all soldiers are easily forgotten until next year.
By Nov. 12, the only procession Americans are focused on is the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, which they can watch before eating too much turkey on one of football's most famous days. It's the day after Veterans Day that matters even more than the honorary 24 hours pointed out by President Donald Trump in a White House proclamation.
"For nearly 250 years, their unyielding spirit has carried our Nation through every trial and triumph, ensuring that liberty endures for all time," the proclamation reads.
The decree signed by the president makes a promise others have forgotten.
"Yet for too many decades, politicians have failed to provide the benefits earned by the best among us, leading to shameful outcomes on veteran healthcare, housing, and employment," the proclamation reads. "Under my leadership, the Federal Government will no longer betray these heroes."
(Photo: White House website)
President Trump reminds U.S. citizens, "In May, I signed an Executive Order to build the National Center for Warrior Independence, which will house up to 6,000 homeless veterans by 2028."
Only time will tell if he keeps his promise; others have failed to keep it, but for today, businesses are picking up the meal tab for veterans.
The media outlet Today offers dozens of eateries from A to Z with gratis meals and discounts from Another Broken Egg Cafe to Yogurtland.
Google search on Veterans Day brings up free meal offers for soldiers
Even Netflix honors soldiers, specifically the Marines. The notable streaming service touts three "Oorah" films about who some say are the toughest soldiers in America. The real-life tales of these soldiers reveal how Hollywood's version in "A Few Good Men" is just a movie.
America's real heroes are never seen. On the contrary, they are sadly forgotten, unless we choose not to forget. Let today remind you that tomorrow should be for veterans, as well as every other day of the year.
Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines, each branch is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to protecting the U.S., so let's support them as the president promises to do.
Donate or volunteer to Veterans Build, the Habitat for Humanity section dedicated to housing soldiers, or directly help retired military by volunteering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Last year, the department reports nearly 214,000 pounds of food donations and 472 call volunteers. Not to mention the Volunteer Transportation Network and the Centarian Recognition Program.
(Photo: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs)
So please remember to honor the veterans tomorrow.
OpGov.ai would like to thank every Veteran, alive or deceased, for their service and to their families who gave up their own for us.
And I, Angela Underwood, want to thank my father-in-law, Bill Underwood, a 3rd Battalion 3rd Marines Veteran, who served in the Vietnam War, for his service. This report is dedicated to him.
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