On Veterans Day, we honor those who served in the U.S. armed forces because veterans made sacrifices to serve this nation out of a sense of duty and patriotism.

Many generations of veterans share these sacrifices: veterans from the infamous Pearl Harbor attacks; Korean War veterans; Vietnam veterans, who absorbed hatred from fellow Americans; Gulf War veterans from the early 1990s; and the newest generation of veterans, who served in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains and valleys of Afghanistan.

Although our veterans span generations and served in different places, they share common experiences. Some of these: boot camp, separation from friends and family, immense stress and great responsibility. Many of our veterans also experienced combat, and its horrors have altered their lives forever.

As veterans leave the service, they often face new battles as they attempt to reintegrate into civilian life. Some veterans leave the service with debilitating wounds, both physically and mentally. Some veterans face unemployment because civilian organizations do not appreciate the valuable skills the veterans learned and developed in the military.

These issues can begin a downward spiral to such ills as substance abuse and homelessness. We cannot let those who have sacrificed so much for us fall to such lows.

I ask you to honor our veterans every day, but especially today. Fly your flag high. Attend a Veterans Day parade. Think of the veterans who continue to face their own battles. But do not stop there. Talk to them. Thank them. Shake their hands.

If you know of a veteran in need, please let me know. Organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars may be able to help. The VFW Deering Memorial Post 6859 is willing to try.

Joel Demers

commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6859

Windham

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