Syndication News Column:
Veterans Day - 2020

Today is the day that Americans are asked to recognize the service of all those who have served our nation in the United States military.  Veterans Day is designed to honor men and women who are serving today in the United States military from Afghanistan to South Korea, the men and women who have served honorably from Da Nang to Seoul, and the men and women who rest today in cemeteries from Fort Bayard to Arlington.  Some were drafted.  Some volunteered. 

We Honor All - Those who are serving today and those who have served in the past.  Individuals in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy, and Space Force.

While the Pandemic of 2020 has changed much in our lives, people of the United States can still honor the men and women who have secured our freedom.

If you know a veteran, give them a call.  Email them.  Text them.

It can as simple as saying “Thank You for your service.”  Or it can be a lengthy exchange of thoughts.

Let the families of veterans know that you’re thinking of them too.  Afterall, families make sacrifices when their loved ones serve our nation.

Put an American flag outside your home today.

While we may disagree on a whole host of things, one of the key items that binds us as a nation is our respect for those who have worn the uniform of our country.

A number of businesses and organizations provide free or discounted products and services to military veterans.  Some of these promotions are available just today, Veterans Day, while other discounts are available this month or year-round.  The U S Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a list of some of these entities offering free or discounted products and services.  You can view that list by clicking here.  Walgreens, Target, and Denny’s are among national businesses on this list.

If you’re a veteran and need some help or if you know of a veteran who is in distress or could use some help, please know that help is available through the U S Department of Veterans Affairs.  The Department operates the Veterans Crisis Line.  According to the Department, you can “connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Many of them are Veterans themselves.”  This service is available 24 hours each day, 7 days each week.

The telephone number to call is 1-800-273-8255;  press 1.  You can also connect by texting 838255.  You can view additional options for assistance by clicking here.

The Color Guard at Fort Bayard National Cemetery in New Mexico on Veterans Day of 2014.
(The photograph was provided courtesy of Tom Vaughan/FeVa Fotos, November 11, 2014.)

© 2020 Richard McDonough