My Veteran

Friday, November 11, 2011

Here in America we are celebrating Veterans Day, a tribute to our fighting forces. A valid, respectful holiday I feel. A day we salute all the veterans; past, present and future, who afford us our freedoms but they are not alone. Did you know, here in America, we have forgotten veterans?

A category of veteran that has no holiday; no lobbyist banging home their contributions to our country and ask for only a smile. An acknowledgement of the fact they are, a veteran. Do you know these veterans?

I think you do. These veterans gather in large rooms across our fine country waiting patiently for that one smile for which they seek.

They have brought us through inner country turmoil, wars we only read about and hard times we know nothing about. Still all they seek are acknowledging smiles. A hug becomes their Medal of Honor.

In case you haven’t figured out who these veterans are yet, it is our elderly. They have survived the battle fields of making things better for us, sacrificed countless amenities so we can be who we are and yet all they ask for is a smile.

I have spent the last 24 hours trying to come to terms with a society that thinks my grandmother is somewhere because she was a throw a way. She is not and I am appalled a society can feel this way. People cannot be thrown away, they can be forgotten but not thrown away

It makes me sick that these veterans can yes, be taken care of, for a price. That helping them put on their socks has been reduced to a monetary gain and nourishments are something the FDA has deemed not worthy for school children, let alone elderly life veterans.

I apologize there is no humor here; my nerves are a bit raw. I haven’t slept well the last two nights and have read enough Kentucky statues on elderly law that I’m thinking of becoming a law clerk.

Today, if you could give a veteran that smile they will not ask for I would be extremely grateful. Better yet, award them the Medal of Honor, give them a hug.

I’m off to read more law, have a great weekend.

Peace…

Technorati Tags: Friday,Elderly,Humanity,Veterans,Holidays

38 comments:

Francine Howarth said,: Hi,

Glad to see your post! Respect of those whom died for our freedom should never be forgotten. Yet, the majority of blogdom seems to have forgotten this special day!

best
F
Julie Flanders said,: This is so true, and tragic. When I was a social worker I often visited the VA hospital, and it was heartbreaking, and also maddening, to see so many elderly veterans alone and basically "thrown away."

I love the photo you chose to go along with your post, very touching.
Gail said,: So very true!

I have seen Dad shuffled with no respect in a VA facility, however, one kind lady made it all worthwhile.

We had been waiting for hours, appointment long past, his file lost, but Dad was patient.

Inquiring at one desk, which was attended by a young lady in her early twenties, Dad said, "I hate to bother you, but..."

She said, God Bless her heart, "Mr. Greenstreet, you are never a bother. I am very proud of what you have done for our country."

Dad smiled with misty eyes and quietly said, "Thank you."

You are so right, people are pushed to the back burners because of budget. I hope it improves.

Thank God for every veteran and person who has respected our country and gave all they've had to improve our life...may they be recognized this day and every day.

Fantastic post, my friend.
Anonymoussaid,: Awesome tribute to the men and women who have served us so proud and brave. Thanks!
Susan Flett Swiderski said,: George Washington said something along the lines of, "The willingness with which our young people serve shall be directly related to how they see our country treat her veterans."

It's very sad that much of our society has little appreciation or respect for our citizen warriors. A sincere thank you to all our veterans.

Good luck.
Larri said,: Beautiful post, my friend. Thanks for sharing your heart today. I know exactly how you feel.
Golden Eagle said,: Wonderful post!
Flying high in the sky.... said,: Happy Veteran's Day!
T. Powell Coltrin said,: We glorify stars of entertainment and forget to honor those who are really stars.

What's wrong with with us?
Tammy said,: Consider them hugged...and saluted. And you, too, for saying it.
Arlee Bird said,: What you say here is so sad and so true. There are many forgotten elders who are alone and just waiting to depart this world. I congratulate your concern for them. More younger folks should be addressing this issue, including me although I'm not all that far off from joining the ranks of the elderly.

Lee
Memoirist Ann Carbine Best visits Wrote By Rote on Saturday 11/12/11
Jennifer Shirk said,: That really tugs at my heart. I hope to instill respect for the veterans and the elderly in my children so they never forget.
Green Monkey said,: you're tugging on my heart too. Don't you love it when something you write resonates in others. My Dad is 87, living at home with 24/7 care. I have had terrible experiences in nursing homes. I don't want him there. I think you know why because I've blogged about it. anyway...People will often ask how he is doing and most feel sorry for his ailing condition but I don't. He lived a wonderful, strong, fierce life, now its time for him to enjoy being fragile. This part of his journey is not easy to watch but as I often say, his parkinson's has slowed him down enough for us to get to know each other. (I'm making myself cry) time for me to write, wanted to read you first. xoMonkeyme
Elizabeth said,: Thanks for the post. We owe a lot to the Veterans.

NEW FOLLOWER.

Elizabeth

http://silversolara.blogspot.com
Velvet Over Steel said,: Hi Jules; sorry I'm late.

I couldn't agree more with both your words; your frustrations and even anger.
My dad, great-grandfather and so many more relatives who have served our country.. only to be treated badly later on in life with poor health care and enormous lack of respect and appreciation.
Such a needed post you wrote Jules!!! Thank you!! XO
Manzanita said,: Jules, I'm going to write from the "other end," I can, you know, because I'm there. It was sudden and seemed to happen overnight. We knew it would be this way. We knew no one would really care, except a few close relatives. But tucked away inside of us, there is a snicker (no not a candy bar!). Because we know what we are and what we've been AND the thing we know the most, is that everyone who now treats us as a throwaway will be in this exact same situation. Don't be so angry with those who don't understand. The old cliche always comes true.... "What goes around, comes around." We understand.:)
Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said,: This is truly tuggin' at my heartstrings. My own daddy who passed a year ago was a veteran.

This post was truly touching sweetie.

God bless ya and have a wonderful week!!! :o)
Tracy said,: Hey Jules,
sending you hugs...
Katie Gates said,: There's a lot of passion in this post, Jules. Good for you for thinking so inclusively about the word "veteran." I agree.
Olivia J. Herrell, writing as O.J. Barré said,: Jules, your rants are my favorite posts and, as usual, I agree. Sending good juju your (and his) way.

Love you, girl! that rebel, Olivia
Samantha Vérant said,: Jules, I completely agree! My grandpa was a vet and now my mom donates her time (teaching Yoga) to help the vets! I wish more people were like her! Young or old, they should not be forgotten, but thought of and cared for.
MTeacress said,: My grandpa was great at helping me understand the dedication of veterans (he was a WWII pilot). I'll never forget the stories he told.
Talli Roland said,: Wonderful post - a great tribute to those who've helped protect our freedom.
Theresa Milstein said,: I agree with you wholeheartedly. We ask so much of our youth. Shouldn't we promise them respect and proper care from wounds, trauma, and age?

Excellent post, as always, Jules.
floweringmama said,: I hope everything's ok with you and yours. I know you're going through some stuff. Sorry for being late in replying I've got a full plate and family stuff too. Seems it never ends...
Anonymoussaid,: I'm 71 and I don't considerable myself as "elderly" - but I am. And I've such much of what you express here. We must not forget our veterans - our elderly friends and family. We will one day be among them!
Ann Best, Memoir Author of In the Mirror & Imprisoned
Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said,: Have a delightful weekend sweetie!!! :o)
Amie Kaufman said,: What a touching post. Thank you for sharing what's in your heart -- I had a cup of tea with my two neighbours the other day, both war widows (and one a veteran herself), and their stories are extraordinary.
Ann said,: Personally I am appalled at the often careless, thoughtless treatment of the elderly. I am a true believer in walk in my shoes and see how it feels. My father once told me, no matter what he saw in the mirror inside he was still 23. That statement has stuck with me. Good luck with the law reading....hope you find something to get you teeth stuck into!!!!
Len Lambert said,: Hi Jules! How are you? This is a very touching post. Thank you for sharing.
Ella said,: I see it every day, the disrespect!
It saddens and haunts me and I try so hard to be kind and do what I can. You remind me I can do more~
xXx

Thank you~
Tammy said,: Haven't seen you in a while, Jules, and hope all's well with you. I am thankful for people like you in the world and hope you had a great holiday.
Tammy said,: Great to hear your terrific sense of humor; thanks for letting me know you're okay. Prayers/good thoughts for your grandmother and family.
Unknown said,: Jules, I'm sorry I haven't been by in awhile... and I'm sorry you and your Gram were (are still?) going through some difficult times. I hope that her situation has improved.
Alex J. Cavanaugh said,: Hey Jules! Really miss you. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving.
Jayne said,: Jules- Such a shame how warped our American values are. In other countries the elderly are revered. Here, we barely notice our elderly, who, at one time, were our very caretakers.

Sorry to hear about this--I hope you're finding some answers in those law books and legislation. The elderly need vigorous representation. *Hugs*
Karen Lange said,: Hoping you found some answers in your continued search. I'm with you, it is a lousy thing when it comes down to it. Glad you posted, it can help raise awareness.
Karen Lange said,: I commented, but it seems to have been eaten by blogger...Sorry to hear of your frustration. Hoping you found some good news in your continued search. It is a lousy thing for sure. Perhaps your post will help raise awareness, you know?