why is the veteran so important essay

Why are Veterans Important and Why They Should Never be Forgotten

Why are veterans important? Military veterans are among the most important members of our society. They have committed years of their lives to serving and protecting our country, and they deserve our gratitude and respect. Veterans have sacrificed their time, health, and often even their own lives to preserve our freedom and safeguard our nation. It is crucial to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of our veterans and honor their service. In this blog post, we will discuss why veterans are so important and why they should never be forgotten.

Veterans Defend Our Freedom:

One significant reason our veterans are important is that they defend our freedom. Veterans served and they are the ones who willingly stand in the line of fire to ensure that we can live our lives without fear of oppression or tyranny. They protect us from external threats while ensuring that our way of life is preserved. They leave their homes, families, and livelihoods to defend our nation, and they do so without asking for anything in return except appreciation.

Veterans Sacrificed their Lives for our Safety:

Veterans’ contributions cannot be understated, especially those who have paid the ultimate price by sacrificing their own lives for our safety. They serve their country with selflessness and sacrifice and bear the heavy burden of their service on behalf of American citizens. We must honor their brave actions and never forget the price they paid for our freedom.

Veteran’s Protection of our Communities:

Veterans play a crucial role in their communities, too. They come home and serve as doctors, lawyers, and other vital professionals. They continue to keep us safe by protecting and serving our communities and bringing their discipline, experience, and leadership to civilian offices. They embody strength, discipline, and moral values, which are models that younger generations can emulate.

Veterans Provide Inspiration to Younger Generations:

Veterans’ contributions also provide inspiration and motivation to younger generations. They set an excellent example of self-discipline, perseverance, and honor for children and adults alike. As the younger generation learns to value the contributions of veterans, the importance of their roles will continue to be passed down and instilled in future generations.

Veterans Deserve Our Respect and Support:

Lastly, veterans deserve our continuous support and care. They experienced extreme hardships and trauma during their service years that often follow them into their civilian lives. It is our duty as Americans to honor and support their sacrifice by helping them navigate civilian life. Providing necessary resources, mental health care, and other support systems could immensely improve their quality of life.

How We Can Better Support Our Veterans After Their Service

Veterans deserve our respect and gratitude for serving our country. They risked their lives to protect us and our freedom, and in return, we should support them in any way we can. However, thousands of veterans face physical and mental challenges daily, and many of them struggle to fit in and adjust to normal life post-military. Below, we delve into how we can better support our veterans’ needs after their service.

1) Improve Access to Medical, Mental and Emotional Health Support:

Given that veterans’ physical or mental health has been compromised as a result of long deployment periods, it’s essential that we provide them with easy access to medical care. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of benefits, including healthcare , counseling programs, and disability compensation , among other benefits for veterans and their family members. Additionally, there are many non-profit community-based organizations and charities that offer mentorship, job training, financial aid , and transitional housing that can provide the necessary resources and support for veterans.

2) Advocate for Better Employment Opportunities:

It’s critical to secure adequate jobs that guarantee stability and growth to ensure financial independence for veterans after their service. Finding employment can be a challenge for veterans, particularly those who may have physical or mental health issues. Organizations such as Veterans Affairs can train veterans on valuable job skills and even offer hiring bonuses to companies that employ veterans. Proactive measures by businesses to support veterans looking for employment, including understanding their needs, can significantly improve the veteran’s chances of success.

3) Provide Housing Assistance:

Homelessness can be a major issue that veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. Veterans may have physical, mental, and emotional problems that hinder them from making enough money to afford housing or pay their rent. Providing transitional housing assistance can help ease the transition from military forces to civilian life. Additionally, non-profit organizations such as Department of VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) can provide rental assistance and support for those at risk of homelessness or who have lost their homes.

4) Donate and Volunteer:

There are various non-profits, community support groups, and organizations directly focused on supporting veterans, that you can donate to. Donations can go a long way in providing essential resources for veterans facing a range of challenges. Volunteering can also help combat issues of loneliness and depression faced by many veterans. Community service involves working alongside veterans, helping engage meaningful activities that foster connection, and working with other volunteers to provide support.

5) Stay Engaged and Informed:

Ultimately, the best way to support veterans is to stay engaged and informed. Your support can go a long way in advocating policies or benefiting veterans as they transition to civilian life. Stay informed about veterans’ issues, policy changes, and the benefits that are available to them. You can follow veteran support organizations on social media, sign up for newsletters, or volunteer regularly. You can also participate in events, forums, or rallies organized by veteran’s advocacy groups to stay active and connected.

Supporting veterans’ needs after serving our nation should be a top priority for all of us. Veterans face significant challenges transitioning from military to civilian life and may need help in accessing healthcare, housing, employment, and other resources. It’s our responsibility to provide the necessary support for our heroic veterans and ensure that their sacrifices aren’t forgotten. Through various channels like community organizations, charities, donations, and volunteering, we can work together to ensure that veterans are empowered to lead productive and fulfilling lives post-service.

The History and Importance of Veterans

Veterans have played an integral role in shaping our world as we know it today. The sacrifices they made during their time in the military should never be forgotten and we should always remember them. This long-standing tradition of service to the country dates back centuries, back to the settling of territories in the Americas. The role of veterans and military personnel has evolved a lot over time, but their contributions are always appreciated. Let’s delve into the history of veterans, their role in conflicts, their service to our nation, and their impact on American society.

Armed Forces

The history of veterans can be traced back to the American Revolution, in which the brave men and women fought for our nation’s independence from Great Britain. The foundation for a professional military was laid out during this period. This move gave structure to what came to be known as the armed forces. These early veterans set the tone for future generations of servicemen and women that followed them.

The Civil War is perhaps one of the most significant conflicts where veterans played a crucial role. In addition to the Union and Confederate armies, many African American soldiers, who were believed to be unfit for service, joined the Union forces. The civil war veterans set the foundation for caring for wounded and ill soldiers after the conflict, pioneering the introduction of veteran organizations like the Grand Army of the Republic.

In the 20th century, veterans played a crucial role in the Global two World Wars, World War I and II, among other conflicts. Armistice Day marked the end of World War I. During World War II, approximately 16 million Americans served in the military, and people were encouraged to support the war effort by purchasing war bonds and maintaining production levels of war goods.

VA System (VA)

The Veterans Affairs (VA) system was established in the early 1900s to care for veterans’ needs in return for their service to the country. After World War II, the number of veterans leaped, necessitating a more robust VA system to take care of their needs post-military service. The VA operates hospitals and other health care facilities throughout the United States and provides various services, including disability compensation and pension benefits, education and training benefits, home loan benefits, and more.

The history of veterans stretches back centuries, and their sacrifices and service are to be respected and admired. Veterans have made incredible contributions to the country, and their impact can be seen in virtually all aspects of American life. It is essential to honor veterans always, not just during military holidays like Veterans Day or Memorial Day. We must acknowledge their contributions and continue to show gratitude by funding programs that support them, not just the VA, but creating job opportunities, scholarships, and other services to make their transition to civilian life easier. Let us always ensure veterans, national guard, army, navy, coast guard etc.. receive the respect, appreciation, and recognition they deserve for their unwavering service to our nation by standing for the national anthem.

Conclusion:

Veterans fought for us, and have played, and continue to play, a significant role in shaping our nation’s history and future. We must never forget their sacrifices, dedication, and commitment to our country’s well-being. As a nation, it is our collective responsibility to show support and appreciation to these brave individuals who have served us with courage, honor, and sacrifice, and the ones in active duty.

Not just on the national holiday of veteran’s day, but every day. Their contributions are priceless, and it is our duty to never forget their sacrifices and remind the younger generation of their legacy. We must continue to honor our veterans, providing them with the support they need upon their return home while recognizing their contributions to society. They are a part of our history, our present, and our future.

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Key findings about America’s military veterans

This Veterans Day, Americans across the country will honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans. A recent Pew Research Center survey of veterans found that, for many who served in combat, their experiences strengthened them personally but also made the transition to civilian life difficult.

Here are key facts about veterans, drawn from that survey:

The experiences of post-9/11 veterans differ from those who served in previous eras. About one-in-five veterans today served on active duty after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. These post-9/11 veterans are more likely to have been deployed and to have served in combat, giving them a distinct set of experiences compared with those who served in previous eras.

Post-9/11 veterans more likely to have been deployed, seen combat, experienced emotional trauma

Post-9/11 veterans are also more likely than their predecessors to bear some of the physical and psychological scars of combat. Roughly half (47%) of post-9/11 veterans say they had emotionally traumatic or distressing experiences related to their military service, compared with one-quarter of pre-9/11 veterans. About a third (35%) of post-9/11 veterans say they sought professional help to deal with those experiences, and a similar share say that – regardless of whether they have sought help – they think they have suffered from post-traumatic stress (PTS).

A majority of veterans say they have felt proud of their service since leaving the military. Roughly two-thirds of all veterans (68%) say, in the first few years after leaving the military, they frequently felt proud of their military service. An additional 22% say they sometimes felt proud, and 9% say they seldom or never felt this way. Pre-9/11 veterans are more likely to say they frequently felt proud of their service than are post-9/11 veterans (70% vs. 58%).

Most veterans say they would endorse the military as a career choice. Roughly eight-in-ten (79%) say they would advise a young person close to them to join the military. This includes large majorities of post-9/11 veterans, combat veterans and those who say they had emotionally traumatic experiences in the military.

More veterans say the military did a good job preparing them for life in the service than it did in readying them for the transition to civilian life.

About half of veterans say the military prepared them well for their transition to civilian life

Veterans across eras offer similarly positive evaluations of the job the military did preparing them for military life, but less so when it comes to the return to civilian life. Roughly nine-in-ten veterans (91%) say the training they received when they first entered the military prepared them very or somewhat well for military life. By contrast, about half (52%) say the military prepared them very or somewhat well for the transition to civilian life.

About half of post-9/11 veterans say readjusting to civilian life was difficult. While about three-quarters of all veterans (73%) say readjusting to civilian life was very or somewhat easy, roughly one-in-four (26%) say it was at least somewhat difficult.

Post-9/11 veterans more likely than pre-9/11 veterans to say readjusting to civilian life was difficult

There is a significant gap between pre- and post-9/11 veterans in this regard. About half of post-9/11 veterans (47%) say it was very or somewhat difficult for them to readjust to civilian life after their military service. By comparison, only about one-in-five veterans whose service ended before 9/11 (21%) say their transition was very or somewhat difficult. A large majority of pre-9/11 veterans (78%) say it was easy for them to make the transition.

For many veterans, the imprints of war are felt beyond their tour of duty. The challenges some veterans face during the transition to civilian life can be financial, emotional and professional.

About a third of veterans say they had trouble paying bills after leaving the military

About a third of veterans (35%) say they had trouble paying their bills in their first few years after leaving the military, and roughly three-in-ten (28%) say they received unemployment compensation. One-in-five say they struggled with alcohol or substance abuse.

Veterans who say they have suffered from PTS are much more likely to report experiencing these things than those who did not. Roughly six-in-ten (61%) say they had trouble paying their bills, about four-in-ten (42%) say they had trouble getting medical care for themselves or their families, and a similar share (41%) say they struggled with alcohol or substance abuse.

When it comes to employment, a majority of veterans say their military service was useful in giving them the skills and training they needed for a civilian job. About one-in-three veterans (29%) say it was very useful, and another 29% say it was fairly useful. There are significant differences by rank: While 78% of veterans who served as commissioned officers say their military service was useful, smaller shares of those who were noncommissioned officers (59%) or enlisted (54%) say the same.

Most post-9/11 veterans say having served in the military was an advantage when it came to finding their first post-military job – 35% say this helped a lot and 26% say it helped a little. Only about one-in-ten (9%) say having served in the military hurt their ability to get a job. Among veterans who looked for a job after leaving the military, 57% say they found one in less than six months, and an additional 21% say they had a job in less than a year.

Veterans give the VA mixed reviews.

About four-in-ten post-9/11 veterans say the government hasn't given them enough help

Most veterans (73%) say they have received benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. When asked to assess the job the VA is doing in meeting the needs of veterans, fewer than half (46%) of all veterans say the VA is doing an excellent or good job in this regard.

More broadly, 64% of veterans say the government has given them about as much help as it should have. Three-in-ten say the government has given them too little help. Post-9/11 veterans are more likely than those from previous eras to say the government has given them less help than it should have (43% vs. 27%).

Majorities of veterans say the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not worth fighting. Additional findings from the same survey show that about two-thirds of veterans (64%) say they think the war in Iraq was not worth fighting considering the costs versus the benefits to the United States, while 33% say it was. Similarly, a majority of veterans (58%) say the war in Afghanistan was not worth fighting. About four-in-ten (38%) say it was worth fighting.

Views differ significantly by party. Republican and Republican-leaning veterans are much more likely than veterans who identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party to say the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were worth fighting: 45% of Republican veterans vs. 15% of Democratic veterans say the war in Iraq was worth fighting, while 46% of Republican veterans and 26% of Democratic veterans say the same about Afghanistan.

Views on U.S. military engagement in Syria are also more negative than positive. Among veterans, 42% say the campaign in Syria has been worth it, while 55% say it has not. (The survey was conducted entirely before President Donald Trump’s decision to remove U.S. troops from parts of Syria.)

A majority of Americans and veterans associate discipline and patriotism with veterans. Majorities among veterans (61%) and the general public (64%) say most Americans look up to people who have served in the military. And veterans see themselves as more disciplined (84%) and patriotic (71%) than those who have not served in the military. Most Americans agree with this: 67% of all adults say being disciplined better describes veterans than non-veterans, and 59% say the same about being patriotic.

About a third or more among veterans and the public say veterans are more hard-working than those who haven’t served. Still, when it comes to things like being tolerant and open to all groups, the public is less likely to see this as a trait associated with military service than veterans are themselves.

Veterans and the public associate being disciplined and patriotic with those who have served in the military

Note: See full topline results and methodology .

Military & Veterans

Ruth Igielnik is a former senior researcher at Pew Research Center .

The changing face of America’s veteran population

A look back at how fear and false beliefs bolstered u.s. public support for war in iraq, new congress will have a few more veterans, but their share of lawmakers is still near a record low, around one-in-five candidates for congress or governor this year are veterans, americans’ trust in scientists, other groups declines, most popular.

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Essay on Why Veterans Are Important

March 31, 2023

The Importance of Veterans

Introduction

Veterans have played a critical role in the history of the United States, serving their country in times of war and peace. Despite their sacrifices, many veterans face significant challenges, including physical and mental health issues, homelessness, and unemployment. This essay aims to explore the importance of veterans, analyzing the ways in which they contribute to society and the challenges they face upon returning home.

Body Paragraphs

Firstly, veterans are essential to the security and defense of the United States. They have fought in conflicts throughout the country's history, from the Revolutionary War to the current War on Terror. Their bravery and sacrifice have ensured the freedom and safety of the country and its citizens. Furthermore, veterans possess unique skills and training that can be beneficial to society, such as leadership, discipline, and teamwork. These qualities can be utilized in a variety of settings, including the workplace and community organizations.

However, many veterans face significant challenges upon returning home. One of the most pressing issues is mental health, with veterans experiencing higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicide than the general population. These issues can stem from the trauma of combat and the difficulty of transitioning back to civilian life. Additionally, many veterans struggle with physical injuries and disabilities that can limit their ability to work and participate in everyday activities.

Another issue facing veterans is homelessness. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, veterans represent around 7% of the total homeless population in the United States. This can be due to a variety of factors, including mental health issues, substance abuse, and lack of access to affordable housing. Homelessness can exacerbate existing physical and mental health issues, making it difficult for veterans to get the help they need.

Despite these challenges, veterans continue to make important contributions to society. For example, many veterans become entrepreneurs and small business owners, creating jobs and driving economic growth. Others volunteer their time and skills to community organizations, such as veterans' groups and youth programs. These contributions highlight the important role that veterans can play in society, both during and after their service.

Consequently, veterans are essential to the history and security of the United States. They have fought to defend the country's freedom and safety, and possess unique skills and training that can be beneficial to society. However, many veterans face significant challenges upon returning home, including mental health issues, homelessness, and unemployment. It is important for society to recognize the sacrifices that veterans have made and to provide them with the support they need to succeed in civilian life. By doing so, we can ensure that veterans continue to make important contributions to our society and our communities.

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Why Are Veterans Important to Our Nation?

Oct 05, 2023
Filed under why are veterans important
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Veterans are individuals who have served their country by joining a military service. These men and women swear an oath to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Some have been sent into harm’s way during the nation’s conflicts, sacrificing in different ways to advance national or international interests. They are normally involved in historically significant events and their participation in these events and their contributions to history cannot be overstated. Ask yourself, what would the world look like today if not for the American veterans who fought in World War II?

From the earliest days of our country's history, through the wars that have defined our role in the world today, veterans have played an essential role in shaping our country and ensuring our freedom by serving as a deterrent to those who do not value a democratic republic.

Why are veterans important? This blog post will answer that question and explore why veterans are important to our nation, delving into some of the key reasons that these dedicated individuals deserve our utmost respect and admiration.

Why are veterans important: Sacrifice

First and foremost, veterans are important to our nation because of the sacrifices they have made on behalf of their country. They have put their lives on the line to defend our freedoms and liberties, and they have done so at great personal cost.

Whether it's serving in combat zones, enduring long deployments away from their families, or facing physical and mental challenges as a result of their service, veterans have made significant sacrifices to ensure that we can enjoy the benefits of living in a free and democratic society.

Why are veterans important: Skills

Beyond their sacrifices, veterans also bring a wealth of skills and experiences to the table that are invaluable to our nation. Many veterans have received specialized training and education through their military service, making them highly skilled and qualified to contribute to a wide range of industries and professions.

For example, veterans make up a significant portion of our country's law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency responders, bringing honed skills and knowledge to these critical roles. Additionally, many veterans have leadership experience from their time in the military , which can be instrumental in shaping our country's policies and decision-making processes.

After saving the world in World War II , American veterans went to work and helped rebuild the United States. Industry flourished as did the economy and it was mostly because of the skilled labor provided by veterans.

Why are veterans important: Flexibility

Veterans are known for their flexibility, which often surprises many people. There is a common misconception that the military is a rigid, uncreative environment. That couldn’t be further from the truth. While military service has standards, regulations and a climate of good order and discipline, it is also an environment that requires flexibility.

Anyone who has ever served knows that most operations do not go as planned, therefore, veterans have learned to be creative and flexible in solving problems and creating solutions. In some cases, like in the war in Iraq, soldiers were getting killed or wounded because they were deploying with soft canvassed doors on their HUMVEEs which made them vulnerable to explosive blasts and even small arms fire.

Given the lack of protection, soldiers scavenged iron and other metals wherever they could find it and welded it onto the HUMVEEs for protection. They adapted and improvised. This led to the Defense Department "uparmoring" HUMVEEs. Veterans are masterful at doing more, with less.

Why are veterans important Purple Heart vets

Why are veterans important: Role Models

Another key reason that veterans are important to our nation is that they serve as role models and inspiration for future generations. When young people see the dedication and sacrifice that veterans have made for their country, it can instill a sense of patriotism and pride in their own country. Additionally, veterans can provide mentorship and guidance to young people who may be considering a career in the military or other public service professions. By sharing their experiences and insights, veterans can help inspire the next generation of leaders and public servants.

Why are veterans important: Service

Perhaps one of the most significant contributions that veterans make to our nation is their ongoing commitment to service and community. Even after their military service is complete, many veterans continue to serve their communities through volunteer work, advocacy, and other forms of public service. This commitment is a testament to the values that veterans hold dear, including duty, honor, and selfless service. By continuing to contribute to their communities, veterans demonstrate that these values are not just limited to their time in the military, but rather are a lifelong commitment to making a difference in the world.

In addition to these broader contributions, veterans are also important to our nation on a personal level. For many individuals who have served in the military, their time in the armed forces represents a formative period of their lives, one that shapes their identity and influences their outlook on the world.

As such, it is essential that we recognize the sacrifices and contributions of our veterans, not just for their benefit but for our own as well. By acknowledging the bravery and dedication of our veterans, we can foster a stronger sense of national identity and pride in our country.

Why are veterans important WWII vet and soldier

Why are veterans important: Conclusion

In conclusion, veterans are an indelible and essential part of our nation’s character and identity. From their sacrifices on the battlefield to their ongoing commitment to service and community, veterans embody the best of what it means to be an American.

As such, it is incumbent upon each and every one of us to recognize and honor their contributions, not just today but every day. By doing so, we can ensure that the legacy of our veterans lives on, inspiring future generations to carry on their legacy of selfless service and dedication to our nation.

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Essay on Why Veterans Are Important

Students are often asked to write an essay on Why Veterans Are Important in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Why Veterans Are Important

Why veterans are important.

Veterans are important because they have served our country and protected our freedom. They have put their lives on the line to keep us safe, and we owe them a great deal of respect and gratitude.

Honoring Veterans

One way we can honor veterans is to thank them for their service. We can also support them by donating to veterans’ organizations or volunteering our time to help them. We can also learn about their experiences and share their stories with others.

Lest We Forget

Veterans are a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made to protect our country. Their service is a reminder that freedom is not free, and that we must always be prepared to defend it.

Veterans are important members of our community. They have served our country with honor and deserve our respect and gratitude. We should never forget their sacrifices, and we should always be grateful for the freedom that they have helped to protect.

250 Words Essay on Why Veterans Are Important

Service and sacrifice.

Veterans are important because they have served our country and made sacrifices to protect our freedom. They have put their lives on the line to defend our values and way of life. We owe them our deepest gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

Experience and Knowledge

Veterans bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to our communities. They have learned valuable skills and gained leadership experience during their time in the military. These skills and experiences can be used to make a positive contribution to our society.

Role Models

Veterans are role models for our youth. They have shown courage, dedication, and selflessness. They are an inspiration to us all, and their stories can help teach our children the importance of these values.

Veterans are important members of our society. They have served our country, made sacrifices, and brought valuable experience and knowledge to our communities. They are role models for our youth, and we owe them our deepest gratitude. We should always honor and support our veterans.

500 Words Essay on Why Veterans Are Important

Veterans: the unsung guardians of freedom.

Veterans are men and women who have served in the military to protect our country. They have faced danger and hardship to keep us safe, and they deserve our respect and gratitude.

Their sacrifices are invaluable

Many veterans have made great sacrifices for our country. Some have been injured or wounded in combat. Others have lost friends or family members. And still, others have come home with invisible wounds, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These sacrifices are invaluable, and we owe veterans our deepest gratitude.

They are an inspiration to us all

Veterans are an inspiration to us all. They have shown us what it means to be brave, selfless, and patriotic. They have taught us the importance of fighting for what we believe in, even when it is difficult. And they have reminded us that freedom is not free—it must be fought for and defended.

Their presence is a reminder of the sacrifices made

Veterans are a living reminder of the sacrifices that have been made to protect our country. They are a symbol of our nation’s strength and resilience. And they are a reminder that freedom is not something to be taken for granted.

Veterans are important because they have served our country, made great sacrifices, and are an inspiration to us all. They are a living reminder of the sacrifices that have been made to protect our country, and they deserve our respect and gratitude.

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Serving the Country in Multiple Ways: Veterans Reflecting on the Journey from Military Service to Public Service

By Chris Díaz (he/him)

Ahead of Veterans Day, Chris Díaz, Deputy Chief of Staff and White House Liaison at the Department of Veterans Affairs and a U.S. Navy veteran himself, spoke with four appointees about their motivations to serve in the U.S. military, how their military service informs their public service, and what being a veteran means to them.

In honor of Veterans Day, I had the chance to speak with four appointees who served in the U.S. military before joining the Biden-Harris Administration:

Jimmy Anderson , Deputy White House Liaison at the Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Air Force reservist

Ben Cobley , Senior Director of Digital Strategy at the Department of Education and U.S. Army veteran

Maria Carolina González-Prats , Special Assistant to the Under Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Army veteran

Claire Russo , Senior Advisor in the Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization at the U.S. Agency for International Development and U.S. Marine veteran

Our conversation, below, has been edited for clarity and length.

Chris: Veterans Day honors the sacrifices and service of our nation’s veterans and their families. As veterans yourselves, can you tell us what motivated you to serve in the military?

Carolina: After finishing college, I was working as a social worker at a high school and trying to figure out what to do next in my life. I knew I wanted to work with students, specifically elementary school students, so I joined the military to eventually continue my education and become a teacher. Since then, the military – and the desire for service it inspired in me – became my career.

Claire: I was motivated to serve by a sense of duty and service that my parents instilled in me. My father is an immigrant. Coming from a lower-class, he grew up an orphan without the opportunities provided by a democracy. His experiences remind me every day that I can’t take for granted anything this country has offered me.

From a really young age, I wanted to serve. I grew up in a family with four girls, and I was like my dad’s son. I wanted to join the toughest service out there, and I wanted to be treated the same as the men. It was at a very young age – I think I was ten – that I decided I wanted to become a Marine. My motivations to serve run deep for me.

Ben: I don’t think my answer is all that inspiring. I saw military service as a duty to my country – and I felt like I had to serve that duty. I also saw it as a challenge. I was never the toughest guy or the top athlete, but serving in the military – and specifically, serving in a combat role – was a challenge that would help me live up to a personal obligation of mine to earn freedom rather than simply inherit it.

Chris: You said you didn’t think your answer was inspiring, but I want to note that less than 1% of Americans are active-duty service members – you answered a personal obligation and duty that very few people do. And of that 1%, only 10% of people serve in direct combat arms. That is very worthy of mentioning, and that is part of what this holiday is about.

Now Jimmy, since you’re still serving in the military in a reserve capacity, I should ask: what motivates you to continue to serve?

Jimmy: I tried college for a semester and then decided to serve. For me, it was more of a survival thing – I just wanted a paycheck and to be taught a trade. But, there’s a reason why people serve, and there’s a reason why people stay in. I stay in because I’m serving something higher than myself – there’s a real impact that people are feeling because of our military service. That same sense of service is interconnected with my work at the VA. I’m not doing this for myself anymore; I’m not doing this for a paycheck anymore but rather, for a higher calling and impact.

Chris: What I’m hearing from you is that you took this opportunity to serve in the military and made something out of it. You’ve all served your country in multiple ways, first as service members and now as political appointees. How does your military service inform your public service today?

Claire: I’ll just throw it out there that the hardest thing I’ve done in the military is be a spouse – I’m eighteen-and-a-half years in for my husband’s service. Being a veteran makes it a little harder as a spouse because I know what could be happening when I don’t get a call for a few weeks at a time or when I’m reading the news.

Serving in the Administration, there is not one word that hits the paper without me considering that policy is way more than words – on the other end of that policy, someone has to implement it. At USAID, a lot of our work happens overseas, very much in conflict spaces, spaces that often overlap with the places military service occurs.

People live in the countries we’re serving – and there are American citizens who are offering their lives to serve, giving up a great deal. As we’re writing policy, we’re always considering the lives of the people who are impacted on the ground and the impact on the lives of those who have to implement the policy.

Chris: For readers who may not know, every Marine is considered a rifleman, first and foremost – and now Claire, you’re at the front end of the peacemaking process. Your range of perspective is poignant.

Carolina, what about you – what lessons from your military service do you carry in your work now?

Carolina: One of the most important lessons I learned is being grounded. There can be a lot of noise in life – I learned from the military and mentors to quiet the noise around me and focus on what needs to be done. My work today focuses on helping veterans transition to civilian life, and I always think about the impact my work has on veterans’ daily lives. I try to go back to the basics of what the mission is.

There’s also a common humanity in the military – service members have different personalities and come from different walks of life, yet we all come together as one. Even in communities that have experienced war like those in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is a common humanity amidst all the chaos.

Chris: And as a service member that has transitioned to civilian life, your lived experience also directly impacts the work you’re doing today to help veterans make that same transition. It’s not just an abstract concept for you – it’s your life experience.

Ben, how does your military service inform your public service?

Ben: During my deployment, I saw women and children desperately looking for a chance to learn – that experience makes fighting for things like universal, high-quality education and investing in educators even more important here in America, having seen the other side of the coin.

When I was in the Southern Kandahar Province of Afghanistan, infrastructure was almost non-existent and almost always structurally deficient. Buildings were absolutely destroyed – seeing all of this makes building up our country’s infrastructure seem that much more vital.

There are of course many differences between those areas and the United States, but the motivation to better the lives of people fuels my fight every single day.

Jimmy: When you first enlist, you’re an E-1 at the bottom of the totem pole. Folks will tell you, “You can’t make any changes; you’re executing.” That experience of enlisting informs my public service because when you’re an appointee, you’re not solely in an execution role – you’re building partnerships, during a high impact time in a high impact space. You’re definitely doing high impact work in uniform, too, but it’s a different type of impact.

Chris: Equity and access is so important because we need to ensure the leaders that serve in these capacities look like America. Jimmy, in particular, I know that you’ve worked a great deal on making sure our workforce reflects the diversity of our nation – and now we have the most diverse and competent workforce of political appointees we’ve ever had at the VA.

To frame this, I want to note that veterans don’t work solely in the VA – Ben and Claire are examples of veterans working at agencies across the Administration. Being a veteran is a part of our identities, but it’s not the only part.

As veterans – with such a diverse range of experiences and the shared experience of serving in the military – what message would you like to share with our fellow appointees who aren’t veterans? What would you tell them about what your service means to you?

Jimmy: I would say as veterans, we aren’t looking for any special treatment; we aren’t looking for any handouts. Veterans have a certain lived experience, and we have a certain set of skills that aren’t necessarily aligned with any specific place or line of work. We have a broad set of skills that come from our service, such as engaging with others in a very collaborative way, or sitting back and listening before we act. I would hope that our colleagues can see the level of value-add that veterans bring to the Administration and other organizations.

Ben: Serving is about more than just putting on a uniform – it’s a mindset of leadership. It’s an ethos that we live and breathe, that makes us stand out amongst others. That dedication to service is a trait that helps build up our agencies and teams – it’s something that I feel is an important trait to lean on as we keep working for the best version of our country.

Carolina: When it comes to transition periods, there are opportunities for members of the Administration to be partners and allies. I’ve benefitted a lot from non-veterans who took the time to reach out to me and try to understand my experience.

Veterans are neighbors, friends, and community members – we’re not meant to be pathologized or stereotyped as broken. Veterans are humans first.

Claire: Veterans have a distinct shared identity – there are things that are specific to the experiences of veterans and their families. The lifestyle can be very isolating if there aren’t people around you who understand what you’re going through.

My husband is stationed at Fort Belvoir – this is the first time we’re not living in a neighborhood where every other household is a military family. There are times when I’m at school picking up my kids, and the other moms introduce me, “This is Claire. She has three kids, and her husband is always gone. She moves all the time. It’s crazy – she’s Superwoman; we don’t know how she does it.” It’s painful to hear my life described that way and to be constantly reminded that the people around me don’t really understand who we are as a family. These moments can really demonstrate how the lifestyle of military families and veterans can seem so foreign, even to their own neighbors.

It’s important to foster partnerships between veterans and the rest of the community that go beyond, “Thank you for your service.” It takes a deliberate recognition of the value of having service members in conversations and as members of our community.

It’s also important to know that on the other end of policy, people are enacting that policy – whether it’s teachers at the Department of Education or caregivers at the VA. Veterans are people who have had experiences that are far beyond what we know here in Washington, D.C. – they have perspectives that are important to take on and understand.

Chris: This is just a small microcosm of what this community brings to the conversation around public service – whether men, women, Black, Brown, white, enlisted, commissioned, or across different branches, there’s a through line here of continued service. Despite taking off your uniforms, you’ve never stopped serving.

James “Jimmy” Anderson currently serves as Deputy White House Liaison at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Anderson previously served as a prior-enlisted Air Force intelligence officer at U.S. Air Forces Central Command. He founded the University of South Carolina’s Veterans Alumni Council, a 200-plus membership-based organization with an endowed scholarship for military members and their families. Anderson has held fellowships with the Center for a New American Security, Truman National Security Project, and Veterans in Global Leadership; he was also a Fulbright Scholar in Canada. He continues to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He completed master’s degrees at Queen’s University in Canada and American University’s School of International Service, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

B en Cobley serves as Senior Director of Digital Strategy at the Department of Education after serving in numerous digital roles on the Biden-Harris Presidential Inaugural Committee and Presidential Campaign. Prior to that, Cobley developed and implemented digital and communications strategies for candidates and causes at nearly every level of state and federal service. Cobley holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in International Relations, and served our country as a non-commissioned officer in the First Infantry Division of the U.S. Army and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Chris Díaz is Deputy Chief of Staff and White House Liaison at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and a U.S. Navy veteran. During his service in the U.S. Navy from 2007 to 2012 as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate and then as a Fleet Marine Corps Hospital Corpsman, he saw duty aboard the USS Harry S. Truman and, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, deployed with the 6th Marines to Marjah in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. After leaving the Navy, Díaz graduated from Drexel University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Psychology. At Drexel, he joined other veterans to revitalize the school’s veterans’ group, gaining national recognition from Student Veterans of America (SVA). Additionally, Díaz was the recipient of the Pat Tillman Scholarship, awarded to veterans and veteran family members with a commitment to strengthening communities at home and around the world. He was the founder and former executive director of the veteran-led Action Tank – a Philadelphia-based nonprofit leveraging veterans’ experience, leadership, and relationships with service-minded citizens to tackle challenges like the opioid crisis, gun violence, and food insecurity. A native New Yorker, Díaz lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Jennifer; his son, Rain; and his dog, Upa.

Dr. Maria Carolina González-Prats currently serves as Special Assistant to the Under Secretary for Benefits at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She is a proud Operation Enduring Freedom/Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) War veteran, educator, and Latino youth and family advocate. Dr. González-Prats served as both an enlisted soldier in the Army Reserves and as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Army. As a member of the Third Infantry Division, she deployed to Iraq, leading thirty soldiers who led 24-hour warehouse operations in three concurrent locations in Kuwait and Iraq, supporting over 10,000 soldiers with mission-critical supplies for combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. She then led a company of 155 American and Korean soldiers in the Republic of Korea. Dr. González -Prats recently completed her doctorate in Social Work and Social Research at Portland State University.

Claire Russo serves as Senior Advisor with the Biden-Harris Administration at the U.S. Agency for International Development in the Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization. Russo started her career in the Marine Corps as an intelligence officer. During her time in the Marines, she served with the First Marine Expeditionary Force, First Marine Air Wing, and First Intelligence Battalion. In Fallujah, Russo led a team of Marines in targeting critical nodes of insurgent networks across Anbar Province. Following her deployment, Russo worked with the Joint Task Force for Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, assisting in the writing of the first-ever Department of Defense-wide assault prevention and response policy. After leaving the Marines, Russo took a position with the Department of the Army as a civilian advisor to infantry brigades operating in Afghanistan. Russo spent over a year in Afghanistan building the Female Engagement Team program and increasing women’s participation in the counterinsurgency campaign. After a year in Eastern Afghanistan, Russo moved to Kabul to serve as a special advisor to General David Petraeus. Upon her return from Afghanistan, Russo served at the Council on Foreign Relations as an International Affairs Fellow. Russo served as Chief of Staff for Veterans for Biden. Russo’s husband Josh currently serves in the U.S. Army, and they live in the D.C. metro area with their three children.

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Why Veterans are Important to our Nation's History and Future

The pledge of allegiance states “One nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” But where does this justice come from? Who gave us our freedom? How did our great nation come to be? And for that we have great American heroes to thank. The flag stands tall and symbolizes freedom and all that America has worked for and truly earned. Everyday when a school says the Pledge of Allegiance or when we stand for the National Anthem at a sports event, we are saluting those who have served and fought for the future of our country.Veterans are important to our nation’s history and future because they are model citizens that put in hard work, dedication and determination in all that they did to protect our country and our futures as proud americans in the land of the free.

General George Washington once said “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.” All of our armed forces to this day have to go through intense training, also referred to as boot camp to prepare for their future tours. They are trained in three specific areas, mentally, physically and emotionally. This boot camp is to give these recruits the basic tools that will be necessary to perform the roles that they will be asked to do during the duration of their tour. Each and everyone of the recruits no matter what service they plan on joining, are required to do at least 8 weeks of basic training. Some camps are longer than others depending on the service. From running miles after miles and field exercises to the physical training, these recruits must be focused and ready for anything. The official military website says “Its a tough process, but a rewarding one that many service members value for life.” Hardworking is an understatement when it comes to these recruits that put in so much effort and time so they can one day fight for our country. When you think about it, Veterans were once a recruit. They pushed themselves to do better, and believed that they were going to make a difference one day. They were determined and focused on protecting others and that is exactly what they did while they were out in the world fighting proudly for the Americans back home.

“I may be compelled to face danger, but never fear it, and while our soldiers can stand and fight, I can stand and feed and nurse them.” This was once spoken by Clara Barton, founder of the Red Cross and a well known nurse in the Civil War. Like Clara Barton, Veterans today once stood on the front line of war ready to face danger, but they did so with honor and dignity. When a soldier is called for duty, they drop everything they have and they go fight for the ones they leave behind. No one said it was ever easy for someone to do this, but when your country needs you, you have no other choice but to be brave and hold your head high ready for what comes your way. Determination, dedication and commitment are all words that describe our heroes whether they are past, present or will be serving in the future, there is no bigger job than to put your own life at risk to protect others. Some even sacrifice their lives for our country, but when the American flag drapes across a casket, you know that you have lost a true heroe.

Veterans are important to our nation’s history and future because they are model citizens that put in hard work, dedication and determination in all that they did to protect our country and our futures as proud americans in the land of the free. Veterans are officially honored once a year on November 11, but these brave men and women deserve so much more. They fought for our freedom that we are lucky enough to have today. They gave up their time, their families and some even gave up their lives so that way their future generations could grow up in the land of the free.This one day we choose to recognize America’s true heroes will never be enough, but after all they have done for us the least we can do is be thankful for what we have and let them inspire us to take on the responsibility of protecting our nation.Today we salute the flag and those who have served to protect our great country. The future belongs to those who are ready to make a difference, and because of veterans our nation will always strive to make a better tomorrow because of the sacrifices that our brothers and sisters made yesterday.

ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

A veteran is someone who has served in the military.

Social Studies, Civics, U.S. History

Korean War Veteran

Veterans are often seen as one of the most respected groups in the United States. This veteran celebrates his service and that of his colleagues in one of the many Veteran's Day parades thrown every year in the United States.

Photograph by the Boston Globe

A veteran is a person who has served in the military . Under United States law, a veteran is any person who served honorably on active duty in any of the five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard). Veteran status is not affected by where a person served, how long, or whether they saw active combat. Members of the National Guard or Reserves are only considered veterans if they were deployed by federal orders.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that, in 2018, there were more than 19.6 million living veterans . This represents less than 10 percent of the total U.S. adult population. About three-quarters of veterans served during wartime . The number of veterans has been decreasing in recent years, a trend that the Department of Veteran Affairs suggests will continue. In part this decline is due to a smaller U.S. military . There are currently more than 1.29 million men and women in active service in the U.S. military , which is the fewest since World War II. In addition, the advanced age of World War II veterans —once the largest category of veterans —means that they are dying in great numbers. Indeed, the Department of Veteran Affairs reports that an average of 372 World War II veterans die each day. This agency reports that fewer than 500,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in World II were alive in 2018.

Veterans come from all walks of life. Many brave people have stepped up when the country needed them most—during World War II or following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Others enlisted in the military as a career. Because the United States has an all-volunteer military , defending the country is an important citizenship responsibility—a responsibility that many veterans have embraced at great sacrifice .

In the United States, we honor this sacrifice once a year on Veterans Day. Veterans Day is a U.S. holiday that occurs on November 11 each year. Federal offices are closed on November 11, or if this date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, on the nearest Friday or Monday. Some communities commemorate the holiday on the closest Friday or Monday to provide for a three-day weekend and allow more people to participate.

Veterans Day began as “Armistice Day,” celebrated for the first time on the anniversary of the end of World War I, or November 11, 1919. It became a national holiday in 1938, and was renamed Veterans Day in 1954.

The Department of Veterans Affairs oversees programs and benefits for America’s veterans and their families. Programs include educational opportunities, health care, and rehabilitation services, as well as compensation for disabilities or death related to military services. Many veterans who have seen combat have lingering (sometimes lifelong) issues related to post traumatic stress disorder or other emotional or mental health difficulties; the Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to helping with such problems. In addition, all former military personnel are entitled to be buried at a national cemetery or to have a U.S. flag draped over the casket. This is a last symbol of respect and thanks for service to the country.

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Editorial: take time to honor fallen heroes on memorial day.

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Memorial Day weekend is generally thought of as the start of summer. For many, this three-day weekend is a time to go camping, fishing or start a family vacation.

As you make your weekend plans, and pack your cooler or picnic basket, we think it’s important to remember why we celebrate Memorial Day. It’s a sacred day. A day set aside to honor and appreciate the sacrifices of our military veterans.

Their selfless sacrifices make us safer and protect and preserve our freedoms. Because of the ultimate sacrifice of the brave men and women who served, we have the right to worship, the right to assemble and meet, the right to free speech and yes, the right to use that speech to protest.

The freedom given to journalists to ask the tough question is made possible because of the sacrifice of many. Imagine your life without the freedoms made possible by the sacrifice of our military.

This weekend, it’s important we pause, reflect and remember. Our remembrance should be more than platitudes or social media posts. We must continue to honor the great sacrifice of those who have laid down their lives for our country. We can do this in small ways by acknowledging and thanking our active-duty military members when we see them.

Our elected leaders must continue to ensure veterans benefits and services match the enormous sacrifice members and their families have given. This Memorial Day we remember the great sacrifice of our service men and women. But every day, we honor our military for the selfless way they continue to serve our nation.

Veterans, we thank you for your service and sacrifice.

New Freedom Rock mural complete for Memorial Day

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‘Is it happy?’ Veterans share why they wish people wouldn’t say ‘Happy Memorial Day’

To U.S. Army veteran Ryan Timmermans, Memorial Day is a Monday like any other. He doesn’t need a holiday to remember his friends and colleagues who are no longer here. Thoughts of them still haunt him every day.

In 2012, while he was stationed in Afghanistan, a back injury kept him at the base during a mission. Another soldier went in his stead. Within hours, Timmermans learned that the group had been hit by a roadside bomb. The explosion was so large, it vaporized their vehicle. No one survived.

“I was hollow,” he said, describing the survivor’s guilt that ripped through him. “That was my place to die.”

Memorial Day is on May 27 this year. Timmermans admits he hadn’t clocked that it was coming up. It’s a strange topic for him. He thinks the meaning of the day is widely misunderstood.

“I’ll give you one example: ‘Happy Memorial Day!’” he said, imitating the greeting. “Is it happy?”

Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by Congress in 1971, to be observed annually on the last Monday in May, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Despite this being the holiday’s 53rd year, new survey data from the United Services Automobile Association found that less than half of U.S. adults (46%) understand its meaning.

Ed Martinez, a U.S. Air Force veteran, says that a lot of people don’t recognize the somberness of the day, mixing it up with more celebratory holidays like Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day.

“Sometimes civilians get them confused, sometimes they’ll thank you for your service on Memorial Day,” Martinez said.

While he appreciates the gesture, Martinez says this day is not about him.

“It’s to honor the dead, not the living,” he said.

After his military retirement in 2006, Martinez became commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars post in O’Fallon, Illinois , and still serves as Honor Guard leader. He takes part in its annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Martinez says there are small things people can do if they want to honor those who are still here, such as appreciating the country they live in. He says this is a gratifying thing to see for vets like him. He also hopes that people will support veterans who are struggling.

“Depending on the conflict, there are more people dying by suicide than in the actual conflict,” he said.

In 2021, research from Brown University found that 30,177 current and former military personnel died by suicide in the 20 years since 9/11, compared to 7,057 who were killed in combat in the same 20 years.

Timmermans was almost one of those. When he got back from Afghanistan, two of his friends took their own lives. He says he was nearly the third.

Timmermans remembers seeking help from the VA in 2013 for his own suicidal ideations. He waited for months just for his appointment to obtain a referral. Then, once he got his referral, he was told there would be another three-month wait to be seen for treatment.

What saved him was a call to return to Afghanistan days later, which he took eagerly. In his words, he needed to get away again and — most importantly — out of his head.

To this day, Timmermans finds solace in staying immersed in work. He is the founder and executive director of Veterans Off-Grid, a New Mexico nonprofit organization that builds sustainable homes for veterans who need housing. To him, this is a continuation of his service.

“We took an oath to leave no one behind,” he said.

American hospital from first World War uncovered in France. Take a look at the find

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Nordstrom Rack's Clear the Rack sale is here and it's major — save up to 80% on flowy dresses, sandals and more

Thousands of items including designer brands are marked down by an extra 25%.

Walmart's secret sale room is full of Memorial Day deals — score over $1,500 off a Samsung TV (yes, really!) and more

Also spotted for the holiday weekend: Ridiculously low prices on a Dyson vac, HP laptop and Michael Kors crossbody bag.

Roomba robot vacuums are up to $425 off for Memorial Day

Wellbots has the iRobot Roomba Combo J9+, Engadget’s favorite vacuum-mop combo, for $425 off. The machine not only cleans floors and carpets; its redesigned dock can automatically empty debris and refill it with mopping liquid.

Get ready for summer with this 'flowy but not too loose' tank that's only $15 at Amazon for Memorial Day

Flattering and comfortable and 50% off, more than 18,000 shoppers rave about this versatile tank top.

Yes, this cordless 2-in-1 Shark vacuum really weighs less than 4 pounds, and it's down to $100 for Memorial Day

The 'easily maneuverable' cleaning essential has a built-in hand vac and even comes with its own storage stand.

Amazon's No. 1 bestselling vegetable chopper 'really speeds things up,' and it's down to $24 for Memorial Day

'Gives my achy hands a break,' said one of 77,000+ happy shoppers.

AI tutors are quietly changing how kids in the US study, and the leading apps are from China

Evan, a high school sophomore from Houston, was stuck on a calculus problem. Within a few seconds, Answer AI had generated an answer alongside a step-by-step process of solving the problem. A year ago, Evan would be scouring through long YouTube videos in hopes of tackling his homework challenges.

This Week in AI: OpenAI and publishers are partners of convenience

This week in AI, OpenAI announced that it reached a deal with News Corp, the new publishing giant, to train OpenAI-developed generative AI models on articles from News Corp brands including The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times and MarketWatch. The agreement, which the companies describe as "multi-year" and "historic," also gives OpenAI the right to display News Corp mastheads within apps like ChatGPT in response to certain questions -- presumably in cases where the answers are sourced partly or in whole from News Corp publications. News Corp gets an infusion of cash for its content -- over $250 million, reportedly -- at a time when the media industry's outlook is even grimmer than usual.

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Why are flags flying at half-staff in Wisconsin on Tuesday?

As you go about your day today, you may notice American and State of Wisconsin flags flying at half-staff today around the state.

This gesture honors Hmong-Lao veterans who fought alongside the United States in the Vietnam War.

Here's what to know.

Why are the flags at half-staff in Wisconsin today?

Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #224 , ordering American flags and the Wisconsin state flag to be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, May 14, in honor of Hmong-Lao Veterans Day.

Evers designated May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in 2021 as a way to honor and recognize the Hmong veterans who contributed to U.S. military efforts in the Vietnam War. The CIA recruited Hmong people in neighboring Laos to fight the North Vietnamese Army and communist Pathet Lao forces in the "Secret War" in Laos.

Many Hmong-Lao soldiers faced violence and persecution from the Vietnamese and Lao governments following the war and were forced to leave their homes. May 14, 1975, was the last day of airlift evacuation of remaining Hmong-Lao soldiers and their families from Long Tieng, Laos, to the Nam Phong refugee camp in Thailand, a release from Evers states. Many later resettled in U.S. communities, including in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is now home to the third-largest Hmong population in the country, according to the release.

"Hmong-Lao veterans bravely and selflessly fought side-by-side with U.S. troops during the Vietnam War with many ultimately facing harsh retribution for doing so, including being forced to flee their homelands. These veterans are an important part of our state's story and our history," Evers said in a statement.

Evers has proclaimed May 14 as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin each year since assuming office in 2019. The 2021 Wisconsin Act 31 requires the governor to annually issue a proclamation for the day's observance. This includes ordering flags to be flown at half-staff, requesting the day be used to recall veterans' accomplishments and thank them for their service, and encouraging schools to discuss Hmong military service in support of the U.S.

How long will the flags be at half-staff?

Flags will fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, May 14, per Evers' Executive Order #224.

Where do flags fly at half-staff?

Evers ordered that, on May 14, the American flag and the Wisconsin state flag fly at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations belonging to the State of Wisconsin.

Why do flags fly at half-staff?

"The United States flag flies at half-staff or at half-mast when the nation or a state is in mourning," USA.gov says . "The president, a state governor, or the mayor of the District of Columbia can order flags to fly at half-staff."

Most often, it marks:

The death of a government official, military member or first responder.
A national tragedy.
Memorial Day or another national day of remembrance.

More: Sheboygan South High students to honor Hmong veterans, culture with community presentation

COMMENTS

Why are Veterans Important and Why They Should Never be Forgotten
Veterans have sacrificed their time, health, and often even their own lives to preserve our freedom and safeguard our nation. It is crucial to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of our veterans and honor their service. In this blog post, we will discuss why veterans are so important and why they should never be forgotten.
Key findings about America's military veterans
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0. Our veterans are some of the most important people in our country. Not only have they served in numerous wars that tremendously changed their lives, but they have taught the children of our ...
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Why are Veterans Important and Why They Should Never be Forgotten

Veterans Defend Our Freedom:

Veterans Sacrificed their Lives for our Safety:

Veteran’s Protection of our Communities:

Veterans Provide Inspiration to Younger Generations:

Veterans Deserve Our Respect and Support:

How We Can Better Support Our Veterans After Their Service

1) Improve Access to Medical, Mental and Emotional Health Support:

2) Advocate for Better Employment Opportunities:

3) Provide Housing Assistance:

4) Donate and Volunteer:

5) Stay Engaged and Informed:

The History and Importance of Veterans

Armed Forces

VA System (VA)

Conclusion:

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