Did you know that there are 23.8 million living United States’ veterans? Three out of five veterans are responsible for supporting a family – they have 37 million dependents. Together they make up 20% of the US population. That’s a lot of people who have served this country in some capacity. It’s awe-inspiring and a little daunting. 20% of the US population has stood for freedom at some point in their lives.
Today is November 11th – otherwise known as Veterans Day. Is it weird to know that it is also my dad’s birthday? He’s currently serving in Baghdad, but he’s also an Operation Enduring Freedom veteran. He has 4 immediate dependents – my mom, myself, and my two sisters. But he would tell you he actually as over 300 million dependents, because to him every American is depending on him. I find that thought overwhelming, but it just makes my dad proud of serving his country. It makes me proud to know that my dad serves this country, through the good times and the bad, for not just the sake of my family but for his entire American family. I like to think all veterans feel this way about their service – they served their country, not just the ideas laid down in the Declaration of Independence, but the people who live out those ideas. Veterans have protected this country fiercely for over 200 years – many service members have lost their lives for the people of this country.
Veterans are, to me, amongst the best of American. I don’t need November 11th to remember veterans (to me it’s Dad’s birthday). I remember veterans every day, they make up 20% of the US population and roughly 131,000 are believed to be homeless. They need health care, housing, jobs and better access benefits.Veterans have needs and saying thank you for your service doesn’t meet that need. But today, perhaps it is enough.
So, Thank You for Your Service, American veterans – from all 300 million of your dependents. You do each and everyone of us proud.
If you are a veteran in need of help, please go to www.familiesunitedmission.com for information on how to contact us.
Great blog posting, very good information. waiting for your next post..