OUR VIEW: Honoring America’s greatest
One of the biggest challenges facing today’s veterans is finding a place to sleep at night. Twenty percent of the homeless population in the United States is comprised of veterans.
These men and women offer the ultimate sacrifice and as they return from tours of duty, the least of their concerns should be housing, food, education and health care.
While we at USU may not be able to help with the most serious problems facing returning service members, there are a few tributes we can make right here on campus as we mark Veteran’s Day.
Beginning Monday, USU’s ROTC cadets are conducting a 24-hour tribute for prisoners of war and those missing in action. They will be participating in the National Society of Pershing Rifles, an exercise similar to that of the guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. As the cadets perform this respectful tribute, we should take the time to reflect on their services and sacrifice. Stop to observe their formation and commend their work.
On Tuesday, there will be a moment of reflection on the TSC Patio at noon where there will be a flag raising and the firing of a cannon. Here, again, is another opportunity to take a moment our of your day to honor those who sacrifice their lives for us and our freedoms.
Also on Veteran’s Day, there is a concert performance conducted by Craig Jessop to honor veterans where Brigadier General Michael R. Liechty will be speaking.
USU has a strong military tradition and was once even known as West Point of the West. Students should do all they can to make this a reality again by supporting local veterans and those currently serving. Take the time, not just because Tuesday is Veteran’s Day, but because veterans deserve so much more than what is offered to them. The spirit of appreciation should continue all year round, especially when the United States is fighting on so many different fronts.
This spirit has given rise to food pantries, housing, health care and support groups dedicated solely to the benefit of returning soldiers. To support these organizations, simply go online. Review the programs offered and donate a moment of your time, material items or a few dollars. To help the soldiers returning most recently to war, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is a great organization. Visit www.iava.org to help influence Congress, host events locally or to mobilize support online. Other beneficial organizations include Veterans for America and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Start now. The biggest problem facing veterans in the United States should not be finding a bed at night. It should be figuring out what to do with the excess benefits and honor given to them by the people they so willingly serve.