As the nation celebrates Veterans Day, it is important to remember the sacrifices and contributions of our brave men and women who have served in the military. It is a day to honor and thank those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country and preserving our freedom. However, for many veterans, this day of celebration is bittersweet.

While we appreciate the recognition and gratitude shown to us on Veterans Day, it often feels like a hollow gesture. We are tired of being celebrated on this one day and then forgotten about the rest of the year. It seems that after the parades and speeches are over, we are once again left to fend for ourselves.

As veterans, we have put our lives on the line for our country and have endured physical and emotional wounds in the process. We have sacrificed time with our families, missed important milestones, and faced unimaginable challenges. Yet, when it comes to receiving the support and resources we need, we are often left to navigate a broken system on our own.

It is disheartening to see politicians and leaders use our service and sacrifice as a political tool during election season, only to ignore our needs once they are in office. We are tired of being thanked for our service in public, while behind closed doors, our concerns and struggles are dismissed or ignored.

We understand that the issues facing veterans may not always be at the forefront of political agendas, but that does not mean they should be overlooked. We need our leaders to prioritize and address the challenges we face, such as access to quality healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. These are not just veteran issues, but issues that affect our entire community.

Furthermore, the lack of understanding and support from the general public can also be disheartening. Many people do not fully comprehend the sacrifices and struggles that veterans face, and this can lead to a sense of isolation and disconnect. We need our communities to come together and support us, not just on Veterans Day, but every day.

It is time for a change. We, as veterans, are not asking for special treatment or handouts. We simply want to be recognized and supported for our service and sacrifices. We want our leaders to follow through on their promises and truly advocate for our needs. We want our communities to understand and appreciate the sacrifices we have made for our country.

On this Veterans Day, let us not just celebrate with parades and ceremonies, but let us also take action. Let us reach out to our veterans, listen to their stories, and offer our support. Let us hold our leaders accountable and demand that they prioritize the needs of our veterans. Let us come together as a nation and show our veterans that they are not forgotten, but appreciated and valued every day of the year.

To all the veterans out there, know that your service and sacrifices are not in vain. You are not forgotten, and your contributions to our country will never be overlooked. We may be tired of being celebrated on Veterans Day and forgotten about after election day, but we will continue to fight for the recognition and support we deserve. Thank you for your service, and may we all strive to make a positive difference in the lives of our veterans.