11.11.19 Veterans Day 2019 – To each and every one of you who serve, WE THANK YOU!

WHAT IS VETERANS DAY?

WHY VETERANS DAY IS IMPORTANT?

1. It’s a chance to thank people for risking their lives to defend America

   An estimated 20 percent of Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression, according to government statistics, and you’d be surprised at how valuable it can be to veterans to feel valued by civilians for their service and sacrifice.

2. It’s a chance to reflect on the importance of peace

   While our military are often thought of in a war context, most veterans will tell you that they risked their lives to defend our fundamental freedoms, and that they value peace much more highly than war. Very few who have seen the real horror of war are anxious to rush into it, and Veterans Day encourages all of us to reflect on the value of harmony in our daily interactions and lives.

3. It draws attention to the challenges facing many veterans

   Veterans face disproportionate rates of homelessness, deficits in educational achievement, a struggle to find employment and often, have to deal with devastating wounds. In many cases, post-traumatic stress disorder makes it hard for them to integrate into regular society. By understanding these challenges, we can all reach across those divides and make sure veterans have the best possible chance of having a healthy and fulfilling life after their service.

   

   STATS ABOUT VETERANS DAY

   19.6 million U.S. veterans

   There are currently nearly 20 million living U.S. veterans of wars such as World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.

   1.9 million female veterans

   Women have served in combat arenas for only the last few decades.

   500K Living World War II Veterans

   There are fewer than half a million World War II veterans still living in the U.S. as of 2018.

   EXCERPTS FROM VETERANS DAY 2019 AT NATIONALTODAY.COM

   Thank you to all of our Veterans especially my husband Roy (Navy), our son Chad (Army) and my dad Leroy Blum (Army) for your willingness to serve our country and protect our freedom!

   

   This purple color is in honor of LSU’s win over their rivals Alabama in the game on Saturday 46-41!