I know that Memorial day is coming up in the USA.

I thought that I would share a few thoughts.
I am not a veteran, or an American for that matter.

My two best friends are veterans, one being a proud member of the Canadian infantry and the other being a proud US Marine.
I am also fortunate enough to call the members of this forum who are veterans friends.

It doesn't matter if you served in active combat or not, each one of you wrote a blank cheque to you government, that was payable at any time.
That is the definition of honour.
For those of you that served in active combat, I can't imagine what you faced on a daily basis.

I thank each and every one of you for your defense of our Western Values and democracies.
If a lesson needed to be learned (it shouldn't) the Ukraine shows why you are important.

Now for my rant
By and large the governments of our countries, have utterly failed our veterans after they have left the service
In the USA from 2001 to 2019 - 6,261 veterans committed suicide with an average of 17.2 committing suicide everyday in 2019

In the last 2 years 36 Canadian veterans committed suicide (almost twice the national average for suicide rates)

You can look at the UK, Australia, or the other western countries and you will see similar rates.

In 2021 8% (19,750) of the homeless in the USA were veterans, in Canada we are a little better at 4.4%.

I urge everyone on this site to advocate for increased funding for mental health
Lets put meaningful programs into place that will help veterans return to a successful civilian life.

Don't be silent on these issues, if they don't affect you personally, it is almost certain that you know someone that is.

While you enjoy yourselves this Memorial Day weekend, please remember to reflect on the meaning of the day.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE