my Memorial Day Ltte-please leave your critiques before I send

[w8liftinglady]

as my brain isn't working that great these days.I try to send one every year..

Memorial Day is a day when we recognize those who have sacrificed all for their country.653,000 troops have died in all previous wars-4,382 troops have died in Iraq and 1,072 troops have died in Afghanistan in our most recent conflicts.While we recognize the brave actions of soldiers and Marines,let's not forget those whose sacrifice is pushed off the front page.
18 veterans and active duty soldiers commit suicide every day.22000 troops call the suicide hotline every year.While there have been major advances made in mental health for our veterans,much more needs to be done.The suicide hotline established by the VA is 1-800-273-TALK,and they will immediately refer vet/soldier to the nearest VA mental health resource
Many soldiers were exposed to toxic agents during their service in wartime-nerve agent exposure in World war 2,Agent Orange in Korea and Viet Nam,Dioxin in Gulf War One,sodium di chromate and the Burn Pits of Balad in Iraq.These troops have spent a lifetime,literally,trying to establish a service connection between these toxic chemicals and the subsequent neurologic,immunologic and carcinogenic maladies that followed.A good resource is http://gulfwarchemicals.com/forveterans.html
-which has links to many good medical and legal resources.
Finally,there are the families of those who have sacrificed all.After the casket is lowered and the flag is handed to the family,they receive a stipend...and retreat into the scenery.There is no holiday for them,just a reminder of their true sacrifice.There are several organizations that recognize the needs of these families.Unmet Needs ( http://www.unmetneeds.com/default.aspx )was established by the VFW to help active duty and veteran families with financial needs.The United States Welcome Home Foundation ( http://www.uswelcomehome.org/ ) is another organization that has many resources for military and veteran families.
On this Memorial Day,consider giving a donation to one of these organizations.All who have sacrificed deserve the thanks of a grateful nation.

[CTyankee]

1. People need to be reminded of the real costs of war.

Have you considered offering this as a guest column (one shot deal)? You have a lot of thoughtful information in there!

Making a contribution to an organization helping vets is a meaningful way to observe Memorial Day. I have been giving regularly to the Paralyzed Veterans of America ever since I learned about the shameful treatment of our wounded vets at Walter Reed Hospital (and also because I have a close friend whose husband's life was wrecked, and eventually ended, as a result of traumatic brain injury, albeit not in war ---such injuries are grievous and the suffering is great).

[w8liftinglady]

3. the editor prints all my letters-small town and all

thanks for the feedback

[unhappycamper]

2. It's perfect just the way it is, w8liftinglady.

:thumbsup:

[w8liftinglady]

4. thanks,friend

:pals: