Veterans and the Fourth

The people who brought us to July 4, 1776 were like you and I. They had families and homes to protect. They were farmers, blacksmiths, shop keepers. They were every day working people who were being oppressed and taxed to death.

Today's military is a little different. Seems our government has forgotten what it's like to have one's country occupied by a foreign force. Still basically, it's the same every day people who fight for what they believe in, and one can't fault that. Unfortunately, they don't always receive the support and respect they deserve. Tens of thousands of veterans (a low estimate by my experience) are homeless on any given night in the United States. These are people whose lives were disrupted, by choice or not, to go to war. Unfortunately, their lives were not returned to them, and our government often hasn't helped and supported like it should.

No one who has fought for the principles of our nation should be bereft of home and family. When you see a homeless vet today, thank them, and help them if you can. Many veterans live with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and the constant barrage of explosions we will experience today is especially frightening and stressful for them. That's something I'd never considered before. You?

This Independence Day, remember those citizen warriors who freed of from tyranny, hope for peace and be safe.

-your editor