Veterans Day: Honoring Service and Sacrifice
Veterans Day is a time to honor and recognize the courageous men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a day of gratitude, remembrance, and reflection — not only on the sacrifices made by veterans but also on the freedoms we enjoy because of their service. Veterans Day is not just about ceremonies or days off — it’s about acknowledging the cost of freedom and recognizing the individuals who have helped preserve it.
Veterans are heroes: men and women who have served with courage, honor, and sacrifice. But for many, the challenges don’t end when the uniform comes off. Returning to civilian life can be a complex, emotional journey. While Veterans Day gives us an important opportunity to thank those who served, it’s equally important to recognize the ongoing struggles veterans face every day — and what we can do to support them.
- Mental Health and PTSD – Exposure to combat, violence, and loss can leave lasting psychological wounds.
- Homelessness – Veterans are disproportionately represented among the homeless population. Veterans who lack strong family or community support are particularly at risk of becoming homeless after leaving the service.
- Unemployment and Underemployment – Many veterans leave the military with valuable skills, leadership experience, and a strong work ethic. However, transitioning into the civilian workforce can be challenging
- Physical Health and Disabilities – Many veterans live with service-connected disabilities that require ongoing medical care and accommodations in their daily lives.
- Isolation and Loss of Community – The military fosters strong bonds — a sense of brotherhood and purpose. When veterans return to civilian life, many feel a loss of community and identity.
What Can We Do?
As civilians, we can make a difference in the lives of veterans by:
- Listening with compassion and without judgment
- Supporting veteran-owned businesses
- Advocating for improved healthcare and mental health access
- Hiring veterans and recognizing the value they bring to the workplace
- Volunteering or donating to organizations that serve veterans
The Plymouth District Library is hosting a Veterans Expo and Panel Discussion on Monday, November 10 at 6:00pm. This program is presented by the Veterans Resource Center of Southeast Michigan. Learn about local resources and services available to military Veterans and their families.
Resources
VA Mental Health Services – Includes telemental health, self-help tools, phone/text/chat lines. Good first stop if someone is in crisis or dealing with mental health after service.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – Mental health, substance abuse, crisis services for Veterans and their families.
Make the Connection – Stories from veterans, mental health & wellness resources, info on transition to civilian life.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans – 877-424-3838: 24/7 hotline & online help for veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
VetResources Community Network (VRCN) – Helps increase engagement, access to VA and community services; promotes community outreach & partnerships.Useful for organizations or individuals wanting to connect vets with support in their local community and maximizing impact.
PTSD National Center (VA) – Toolkits, online apps (like PTSD Coach), resources for veterans, families, clergy, etc.
Warriors SOAR – Support programs for disabled veterans, including retreats, events, bonding, helping with physical & mental injuries.
Veterans.org – Directory of veterans’ organizations; helps match people with services.
Wounded Warrior Project – “the nation’s leading veterans service organization, dedicated to improving the total well-being of post‑9/11 wounded, ill, and injured veterans, service members, and their families.”
Articles
From Opposing Viewpoints: Veterans
Prioritizing Veteran Social Well-Being: A Call to Action – PubMed
Identifying factors that contribute to military veterans’ post-military well-being – International Association of Applied Psychology
U.S. Military Veterans’ Health and Well-Being in the First Year After Service – PubMed
Social isolation and well-being in veterans with mental illness – PubMed
Psychological Factors, Physical Conditions, and Functioning Among US Veterans – JAMA
Booklist