Veteran’s Day doesn’t mean much to people who
don’t know any veterans, or are not veterans themselves. Most
students at UCLA will likely use the day to catch up on studying or
as a means of extending their social plans for the weekend.
And why would it mean anything? The horrors of war have become
almost completely removed from public conscience. The country has a
standing army so drafts no longer concern us and the United States
has “evolved” technologically, as bombing countries
from afar has replaced man-to-man combat.
These methods make war seem convenient, almost easy. Efforts of
veterans who have experienced bloodier carnage in past wars are
pretty much forgotten and unappreciated by younger generations.
And what has the government done to honor and reward these
veterans, aside from declaring a day in their name? They’ve
given them many health, educational and disabilities benefits which
politicians are quick to point to as positive accomplishments. But
this is expected: Just as parents are expected to take care of
their kids, the government is expected to take care of its
veterans.
However, many veterans, especially those with mental illness,
are without government aid and consequently left homeless. Efforts
to set things right seem almost nonexistent.
Veteran’s Day will no doubt bring more propaganda from
President Bush and other politicians branding veterans as our
heroes. But heroes shouldn’t be sleeping on the street.