Editorial: Honor vets, help them

The freedoms Americans enjoy today are many — the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, the freedom of the press, the freedom to assemble, the right to bear arms, the right to equal justice, the right to own property and, as we are reminded by today’s headlines, the right and reasonability to vote.

We have these freedoms, rights and numerous privileges thanks to veterans and current personnel of the U.S. military.

From the American Revolutionary War to the recent wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, American veterans have stepped up to serve and protect their country.

We will honor them next week. Veterans Day is Sunday, and we will observe that holiday on Monday.

Honoring veterans is more than a bumper sticker, a poppy, a yellow ribbon or salute. It’s more than praising members of the uniformed military as the best and brightest. It’s about an ongoing national, state and local responsibility to have in place accessible services to veterans most in need.

As Congress returns to work and as state lawmakers prepare for a new session, we encourage them to remember those who protect us.

The best thing our elected officials can do as we honor Veterans Day this year is to commit and guarantee that no veteran who needs and seeks help of any kind is denied.

Tags: opinion, editorial