On Veteran’s Day

On this November 11, we give thanks to all of America’s military veterans. We’ve read many tributes, from both local and national outlets. Tributes are nice. Parades are nice.

What isn’t nice, though — in fact, what is unconsionable — is the fact that we aren’t taking proper care of our veterans. So many of them lack food, shelter, and adequate health care. The Veterans’ Administration estimates that on any given night, more than 131,000 veterans are homeless. An estimated 260,000 are homeless at some point in a given year.

So as many of you enjoy a day off today, please honor all veterans — but think especially about those veterans who, after serving in uniform, have come home and for whatever reason ended up less fortunate than most of us. In an age of division, we should all be able to agree that we need to do more for our veterans.

Here’s how you can help:

• Make a donation to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
• Contact our representatives in Congress and urge them to do more for veterans
• Contact one of several area organisations to see how your can help them