The sacrifice of our troops and their families
Each year as individuals and country around and on Memorial Day remember those who have served and are serving our country. I just watched the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington D.C. and the stories and sacrifices brought forth during this program are ones we should never forget. The service of those who served from the beginning of our country until today and those who will serve us in the future should be recognized throughout the year not just on Memorial Day.
Unlike some countries of the world our military is comprised of volunteers who have made the decision to serve and help to keep our country secure and protect the freedoms we enjoy. Our military reserves are also a part of this group along with the National Guard. The dedication and sacrifices of these individuals and their families deserve to be respected and honored every day of the year. I am proud to say that I have worked with many individuals who are part of or have been part of our armed forces and the reserves. I highly respect any individual who makes sacrifices on a daily basis to serve our country.
Our military is one of the greatest if not the greatest in the world and often they are sent to areas of conflict and are constantly in danger each and every day. When they join any branch of the military they know the sacrifices involved along with their families. There are always difficult situations when families must say goodbye to a member of the military but it is a sacrifice these families endure and experience. While we all have different opinions about the places where our military serve we must recognize that they are doing what they want to do. No one forces them to volunteer for places such as Iraq but they do so willingly.
It is especially hard for some who have families or newborns to leave their jobs and residences and I again applaud their dedication. Those in the military and those that work with them know the dedication and respect they deserve. Our troops use their talents to benefit us at home and whether we agree with the causes in which they are entangled we should give all our support to them. This is not only through our government organizations but private groups/organizations and us as individuals. We would not have the privileges we have today if it were not for the many men and women who have fought and are fighting to keep our homeland safe. Many have fought in previous wars such as World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam and gave their lives that we may be free. Many are making huge sacrifices every day being away from their family and friends.
It must also be said the families of our military personnel are also making sacrifices. They continue their lives as best they can when their loved ones are gone for extended periods of times, sometimes more than once. It is equally as difficult for the families as it is for those serving in the various services. The hardest part that families must endure is when their loved ones make the ultimate sacrifice. I know what it means to lose a loved one and for those that have gone through this experience or will go through it in the future we must support them all we can.
The military families must hold down jobs in many cases to make ends meet. They must care for their children and have the responsibilities of maintaining a household without their loved ones. Maintaining a household is difficult in these situations.
Many times I feel military families do not receive the recognition for their sacrifices and this is wrong. I am here to tell the military families and friends of the military personnel that your loved ones are what are keeping this country secure. Sometimes our military are injured and require rehabilitation for their injuries. During these times these individuals need our support more than ever. This year’s National Memorial Concert had wounded veterans in attendance some of which will have difficult roads to recovery but they are not alone. Private and public organizations, and there are many of them, provide assistance to these veterans and their families.
The sacrifice of our veterans and their families is undeniable and many have health issues which may stretch into years some for the rest of their lives. Many will require and often request the disabilities they now have be recognized by our government. While government does have processes in place to address these needs they often take longer than they should. Making decisions regarding disability claims by those who have served us should be an easy decision to make. Whether the delays in approving disability pensions is a result of funding issues or just the bureaucracy it needs to be fixed.
It is understandable to some extent that there are limitations by government in meeting the needs of every citizen but meeting the needs of our veterans should be a high priority. Whether this involves funding for disability pensions or healthcare our veterans, all our veterans deserve the support of our country and our government.
There are many things I would like to say in this hub as to how much I respect those men and women in the armed services but it would fill a book. Therefore I close with this statement. Keep up the good work and thanks for keeping our way of life safe and secure. You may not get all the recognition you deserve but be it known that there are many who appreciate your sacrifice in the name of our country. Do not let those comments that paint a different picture of the support you have at home for it does not represent the majority of Americans.
