Commemorating our veterans

On Veterans Day President Barack Obama gave a speech at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia saying "While it is important and proper that we mark this day, it is far more important we spend all our days determined to keep the promises that we've made to all who answer this country's call."
Throughout the country many commemorated our veterans by honoring them with medals, organizing parades that showcase the veterans involved in previous wars, and others attended memorial services.
What makes this Veterans' Day different than others is that it comes days after the shootings at Fort Hood, Texas, an event that impacted all citizens especially those in the military who did not expect that one of their own might turn against them.
Based on the images that the media provided from the camp base at Fort Hood it became clear that after eight continuous years of war, our armed forces needed time to rebuild and heal from stress.
The emotions at the memorial service at Fort Hood served as a reminder to the nation and armed forces alike is that the importance in their strategy is NOT the war rather the heroism, self sacrifice, and need of unity within each armed service men. It should be noted that no matter what branch of the military our men and women are enlisted in they are experiencing increasing amounts of stress levels as there is not a clear path as to the outcomes of the current war. This affects the psyche of those who return from war as they become more aggressive which in turn increases the amount of suicides, alcohol abuse and divorces creating a hostile society.

From my stance I admire these brave men and women who have witnessed and coped with actions in the war that are beyond a regular person's ability to cope. I understand that when they come back from harm's way they are not the same person they were before they left due to the trauma that they have been through. I thank all those who serve in any branch of the military for your courage and dedication of going out of your way to protect the freedoms of every American.

So to really commemorate our veterans, we should not lament and honor their sacrifice and commitment to our country on a specific date or when events such as the Fort Hood shootings occur. Instead we can serve as a listening ear to those who have returned from harm's way and need somebody to talk to.

It is up to us to focus on our heroes' state of mind rather than criticize them for their work. This will help prevent events like those in Fort Hood and help our veterans and soldiers heal from their emotional wounds.