A Time to Honor
“You served your country, now let your country serve you!”
It used to be called Armistice Day. It’s called Remembrance Day in England. But regardless of what you call it, the date, November 11 has special significance. The Treaty of Versailles was signed by France, England and Germany, ending the bloodiest of all conflicts — World War I. It was agreed upon in 1918 on the 11th day of the 11th month, and no shots were fired after 11am.
In Great Britain, citizens young and old begin sporting a red poppy on their shirt or lapel in early November. The small, handmade poppy symbolizes the massive sacrifice made by allied troops on the field of Flanders. Retired war veterans sit outside grocery stores and banks handing out the poppy pins. Their prized medals, worn on the uniform or displayed in a case, cause nearly everyone to stop and put a donation down for a red poppy. They are always eager to tell you a story or two and love to answer the questions of the youngsters.
Through the years, returning soldiers have not always had a warm welcome home. No conflict is popular with the masses. And the high toll of death, trauma and loss — for sometimes vague political reasons — can cause society to be bitter for years.
But steps have been taken, often by those returning veterans, to make it possible for returning men and women to get long-term medical help, return to higher education, find a job and even buy a house. Such is the case right here in Edmonds.
Dick Bennett, a former Marine and local Realtor, advises there are a raft of benefits out there to help a veteran buy a house. Veterans may be entitled to advantages such as no money down and interest breaks. Like many, Bennett said his dream is to have an “army” of volunteers reaching out to the homeless vets on the street and help them get the government resources that are out there. Mentoring a fellow veteran who is going through hard times is very rewarding to a fellow service man or women.
At vapp.com (the Veterans App) is an all-inclusive site for veterans. Powered by the foundation Operation Military Family that is based right here in Edmonds, it is the one place a veteran can go to and get all his or her questions answered — often by another veteran. Sources for job training, education and civilian transition is all right at your fingertips. A grateful society wants our veterans to take advantage of the practical and emotional help at vapp.com and other agencies. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.
