Thank a Veteran

I believe every day should be Veteran's Day. Not the day off part, but the honoring the men and women who have served (and are currently serving) this country part.

I've discussed repeatedly on this site the danger young hockey players face from head injuries, but it's nothing compared to what some of these returning veterans and their families are facing.  Whether or not you believe this war in Afghanistan and Iraq is fair or right or whatever, these men and women deserve the best care they can get.  And in this nation that claims to be the best country in the world, we are falling short of providing for those who have protected our rights so valiantly.  Veterans returning to the States are coming back not only with high levels of PTSD, but the veteran suicide rates are at record highs.  What an immense tragedy.

Off that soapbox, many of us feel helpless, but there are ways to help, the Disabled American Veterans, Freedom is not Free, Intrepid Fallen Heroes, or the National Military Family Association.  The organization Any Soldier walks you through how to send care packages to any soldier serving overseas.  Xerox sponsors Let's Say Thanks where you pick a card online, fill it out electronically, and Xerox will send it to any military personnel stationed overseas.

This summer, during my time in Calgary, the Boy and I had the opportunity to go the The Military Museums.  The experience was amazing, I took more pictures there than anywhere else on my month-long excursion to the Great White North.  There were so many amazing sights, I loved the mural that was in the main entrance.  But the most touching was the names in the Hall of Remembrance for the Princess Patricas.  Seeing the names listed out was sobering, to say the least.

THANK YOU VETERANS