In what ways will you help this Veterans Day?
Dad served in the Air Force as a young man, prior to his marriage and raising four children. The U.S. was not at war at the time, and his work as a nuclear weapons systems specialist was always a footnote to his life as a husband, father, softball coach and computer software engineer. Although we rarely discussed his military service, I know it was important and meaningful to him.
Veterans Day honors all Americans who served in the Armed Forces, those who saw combat and those who did not. It’s a day to celebrate veterans and their contributions to our country.
The observance dates to 1918 when a ceasefire, or armistice, took effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day in the 11th month to end World War I. Proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson, Nov. 11 was first known as Armistice Day and was marked by people gathering at 11 a.m. for special ceremonies.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower later renamed the holiday Veterans Day, a national celebration honoring all American veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Veterans Day is especially noteworthy this year. It marks the centennial of the dedication of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The national memorial stands to remind Americans of the courage, sacrifice and grief that surrounds the fight to preserve our nation and its values.
There are many ways to observe Veterans Day. Here are a few ideas:
- Ask a veteran about their service and listen attentively.
- Write a letter of thanks to a veteran.
- Appropriately display the U.S. flag.
- Take part in a local Veterans Day parade or celebration.
- Donate to a non-profit organization that supports veterans.
- Personally deliver thanks and good wishes to veterans in your family, workplace, and community.
Health First Foundation Northern Arizona gives special attention to improving the health and well-being of veterans in Northern Arizona. The foundation invests in programs that directly aid veterans. Anyone can help by donating to the foundation’s Healthy Heroes campaign while paying tribute to a veteran or active service member. Visit healthfirstforall.org to learn more.
Although the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides veteran benefits and care, the system is complex and often challenging to navigate. Non-profits often step in to help veterans access and manage the care they have earned and lend them additional support.
More than 65,000 military veterans live in Northern Arizona. In Yavapai and Mohave counties, veterans make up about 10% of the population. Many need help obtaining health and mental health care, job placement and housing. The top veteran health concerns are sleep problems, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and back, neck and shoulder issues.
Military service is demanding and can take its toll on physical, mental and emotional wellness. Combat situations are especially rigorous and dangerous. More than two million American men and women served in the post-9/11 war on terrorism, waged primarily in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. Many of them sustained physical or psychological injuries from the conflicts. Most concerning is the suicide rate among U.S. veterans, which is more than 1.5 times that of non-veteran adults.
These concerns tell us that much more can be done for our veterans. In what ways will you help this Veterans Day? FBN
By Nancy Wiechec
Nancy Wiechec is a former journalist and the Strategic Relations and Communications Manager for Health First Foundation Northern Arizona, an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit charity dedicated to advancing health and well-being.
