Veterans make up 6 percent of our population, a significant decrease from when 11 percent served during The Greatest Generation. Thus, Americans are less likely to be personally touched by the lives of those that serve.
After WWII you often saw people in uniform, which after the Depression may have been the only suit they owned. During the Vietnam era they were told to wear civilian clothing when off base to avoid being spit upon. Now the majority of our countrymen favorably acknowledge veterans from the unpopular wars they’ve fought in, which is a good thing.
The recognition and acceptance, however, does not go far enough. Approximately 33 percent of homeless males in the U.S. are veterans. It is the single fastest growing group of homeless and they are twice as likely to be chronically homeless. The incidence of PTSD and suicide rates among veterans is climbing. Sadly, female veterans become homeless four times greater than male veterans and commit suicide at a greater rate than the female population as a whole.
The good news is the average vet has an annual income $10,000 higher than the average American. And 92 percent of veterans over 25 have at least a high school diploma.
There are services in place for veterans, but obviously more needs to be done. I like the advice offered by Nina Petru, former post commander of Naperville’s Judd Kendall VFW and an Air Force veteran of 24 years.
In a recent Tribune article, Nina said this about Veterans Day/Memorial Day: “Remember and honor the brave men and women who have and continue to fight for our freedoms. May we never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and never returned for they are the true heroes.”
I wholeheartedly agree.
Watch a moving tribute to our Veterans.
