November 9/10 and November 11…one is Kristallnacht the second is Veteran’s Day; they are separated by one day. But they are separated by more than that. Kristallnacht commemorates the beginning of the Holocaust and the death of the six million. Veteran’s Day commemorates those who fought in our nation’s war and returned wounded but alive. There are those who would also commemorate the battle deaths of American soldiers on Veterans Day but that’s what Memorial Day in May is all about.

We have to give special attention to the Veterans; we should not mix their day with Memorial Day. Our veterans have come back to the freedom of America after struggling mightily in all our areas of conflict across the decades, and they often come back with injuries of the spirit and mind often far worse than with the injuries of the body. Are we doing enough for them? Are we seriously considering what more we can do inasmuch as so many are prone to suicide, of course to PTSD, to homelessness, drug abuse, and a host of other terrible conditions, not the least of which is alienation from their families.

And what is our attitude towards Veterans? Are they “suckers” and “losers” or are they brave women and men who, for the most part, wanted little to do with war yet valiantly served? Often, they too disagreed with the Commander-in-Chief’s decision to enter into battle, with the “cause,” as it were. My problem with the Vietnam War protesters was not in their opposition to the war; it was their often despicable attitude towards those who answered the call…excuse me, those who answered the draft call…and returned to find callousness and name-calling awaiting them.

I, for one, hope that a more serious look will be taken in this area of concern: if additional federal budget money has to be allocated for veterans’ assistance, then so be it. Money is wasted on so many things, but I don’t think a penny would be wasted if it went to help someone whose service has kept you and me free and safe!