The staff editorial is the majority opinion of the editorial board of The Murray State News.
Today marks the 92nd Veterans Day in the United States, also know as Remembrance or Armistice Day in many other Anglo countries. The name change may not seem so significant, seeing as Americans have always tried to be a little different in our culture. But in this case there is a difference. The name was changed to honor the men and women who have sacrificed in all of America’s conflicts, instead of just World War I.
How is this significant? In recent years the standard has shifted from honoring those wearing military uniforms to honoring just the uniform itself. The commemoration of our veterans has become such a facade that we are forgetting the conflicts we have sent them to fight. This is evident in our lack of material and monetary support for many of those who gave everything so we could live in a safer world. So far these have been lacking.
This day should not only be a reminder of what uniformed citizens have given to protect our nation but of the sacrifice we owe them.
That does not just mean respect and gratitude. It means basic services and support for them and their families. Adequate post-conflict medical treatment, free higher education and public housing should all be available to the veterans of our foreign wars. Not to do this is telling of just how civilized we really are.