HE UNDERSTOCK EXPRESS…
Veterans Of All Wars
By: Kayla Understock
Veterans Day was formerly known as Armistice Day, which was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, on November 11, 1918. In 1938, legislation was passed that November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" Therefor, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans. After World War II and The Korean War, the Veterans’ Service Organizations urged the Act of 1938 to be amended. In 1954, the 83rd U.S. Congress replaced the word “Armistice” with the word “Veterans”. This legislation was approved on June 1, 1954 and since then November 11th is a day to celebrate Veterans of all Wars.
On Veterans’ Day, I was at home enjoying my day off and getting caught up on housework. There were a wide variety of military movies on TV. Of all these movies, the one that really sticks out most in my mind is “American Sniper”. I’m not sure if it is because it is based on a true story or if it is because after talking to people whom have actually been in combat, it is the most accurate depiction of those life situations. Now for those whom haven’t seen the movie, I highly recommend it and I will try not to spoil it for you. This movie is based on events that took place in a man’s life named Chris Kyle who is said to be the most lethal sniper in U.S. Military history. Chris Kyle had 255 kills from four tours in the Iraq War. 160 of which were officially confirmed by the Department of Defense. The movie goes on to show what combat is like over seas as well as the toll that it will take on military families. Perhaps the most important thing it shows is how it can affect a person upon their return. The things that happen to the men and women serving to protect our country are not things that can just be forgotten or left over there. They follow them back to the State side, change their daily lives, haunt them in their sleep, and possibly change them as a person. With the length of time these brave men and women are gone along with the effects of what they do, it takes a special kind of person to take on this responsibility. They sacrifice their own lives for the freedom and life of everyone in America. However, that’s not all they sacrifice. They leave to fight for our country in hopes of returning with no changes but that isn’t always the case. Unfortunately, there are occasions where they come back to their family no longer being together.
Many of these people don’t even make it home; those who do are often injured; some with physical injuries and life long disabilities and others with mental trauma. Their courage should be celebrated each and every day of the year. There was a time when men were drafted to go to war. Now days there are so many men and women who willingly volunteer that there is not a need for drafts. Every time the American Flag flies we should think of all of the men and women who have and still do fight for our country to be safe and free. According to Government statistics provided by The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, it is estimated that about 50,000 veterans are homeless and 1.4 million others are at risk of becoming homeless. Veterans are more at risk for homelessness due to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance abuse. More than 40,000 homeless veterans receive some type of compensation or pension benefits. However, it is still not enough to find secure affordable housing in a safe environment. These men and women deserve not only our respect, but also more help in assuring that once they are home they can lead fulfilled lives again. This may be accomplished by mandated therapy afterward and financial help to get housing and meet job requirements. After all, this seems like a very small price to repay those who have sacrificed so much to save our lives. I would personally like to thank each and every service person, be it man or woman, current or past. You make a difference in peoples’ lives and in our country and all that you do or have done is greatly appreciated. God bless!
