In many cases most people think of Memorial Day weekend as that 3 day weekend with beer, bbq, and parades. Maybe even get that first sunburn of the summer and have to put some blue zinc on to cover your nose. But there’s more to it than that. It’s about remembering not only those who have served, but specifically those that never came home.
Regardless of what we were fighting for, they always kept it over there. Over there meaning, not in your back yard where you’re cooking burgers and playing badminton. So it’s more than just thanking a vet for their service, but honoring them for their sacrifices, and mourning for their loses. Our prestigious sentinels.
Being the heroes who protect our freedoms comes at a cost. The cost for survivors generally comes in the forms of PTSD and depression. 20 percent of the 2.7 million Iraq and Afghanistan veterans will experience post-traumatic stress or depression. About 17 suicides occur daily due to VAs not being equipped to effectively treat all veteran wounds, mental or otherwise. This leaves former sentinels with treatments options of prescription drugs, including opiates.
83 percent of veterans support medical cannabis, 0 VAs supply it, and there’s an 11 percent decrease in suicide rates in areas that have medical/rec programs. Whether a giant MSO or the local plug, something extra should always be included for a former guardian.
To the past, thank you for what you have done.
To the present, thank you for what you do.
To the future, thank you for what you prepare for.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, text 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
