More than 500,000 Washingtonians can proudly call themselves veterans. Nationally, more than 20 million Americans carry such an honor. They are our neighbors and our co-workers and the people we pass on the street or see at the grocery store, and they represent a common cause that reflects the best of America.
In their service to our country — be it in the present or the past — veterans are the personification of the values we hold dear and the sacrifices we are willing to risk in defense of this nation’s ideals. And so we recognize Veterans Day today and embrace the opportunity to reflect upon America’s place in the world.
Such reflection can be difficult these days. We are politically and socially polarized, too often willing to be divided by our tribal beliefs. And while we might disagree at times with how our leaders use the United States military and how they enforce America’s status around the globe, we continue to support and honor those who find a higher calling in defending our shores or protecting American interests abroad.
Such support has been the idea behind Veterans Day since it was founded as Armistice Day in 1919, one year after the end of World War I. At the time, that global conflict was known as “The War to End All Wars.” Sadly, as we have been frequently reminded, that has not been the case; wars have continued, and American military members unfailingly have heeded the call. Be it during World War II or in Korea or Vietnam or the Middle East, members of the U.S. military have served admirably.
In addition, we must not overlook the role of those who have served during peacetime, as peace is often preserved through the strength of a prepared military.
In commemorating that first Armistice Day, President Woodrow Wilson declared: “To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”
The holiday has morphed to honor not only those who died, but those who have served in times of both peace and war. This separates Veterans Day from Memorial Day, which is commemorated each May in honor of those who died in military service. And while Veterans Day remains a solemn occasion, it also is one of celebration and an opportunity to give thanks to all who have served.
Equally important, the holiday should provide an opportunity to reflect upon how veterans are cared for after their service has ended. Various studies have shown that veterans incur homelessness and suffer from mental illness at rates higher than the general population, and various problems with health care provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs have been exposed in recent years. All of that despite an annual VA budget of more than $200 billion.
President Donald Trump has rightly pushed for increased spending for the VA. While we can take issue with a bloated defense budget, this nation must remain committed to caring for those who have served and are serving.
And so, today we pause to say thanks to those who have demonstrated their commitment to the United States by serving in the military. Despite our differences, we all are Americans, and we can find common ground in celebrating those who have sacrificed so we can remain free.
