Emporia’s veterans are our neighbors, friends and community leaders and, as the founding city of Veterans Day, Emporia has done several things right when it comes to honoring those who have served.
Not only did we create a holiday to honor their service, we advocate and care for veterans year round. For example, this summer Beacon for Hope helped host an event to raise awareness for veteran mental health.
Emporia also offers scholarships for veterans. We host multiple forms of veteran celebrations through art exhibits, Freedom Fest, a beautiful veteran’s memorial and memorial service. Our Veteran’s Day celebrations are filled with an over week long tribute.
While it is easier to achieve this in a smaller town like ours, if other cities prioritize helping our veterans medical, housing and mental health needs, they can achieve what Emporia has done successfully. Even so, we could always be doing more.
Unfortunately, veterans still struggle once they return home. Homelessness is a major issue Americans combat and 1.4 million veterans are at risk of homelessness, according to Policy Advice. Along with this, about 17 veterans die by suicide a day– 44 veterans a day, if you include drug related suicides– according to the Military Times.
This is heartbreaking and unacceptable. We cannot allow those who have sacrificed their lives for our country to be treated this way. They sacrifice every aspect of their lives; time with their families, a permanent home, their mental wellbeing and their bodies. We must do better. Not just for those who have served and given their lives to that service, but for their families and loved ones.
Emporia has taken action to honor veterans in several ways and you can, too. Volunteer at a nearby VA or advocate for veterans’ need for affordable housing, proper medical care and mental health services. There are so many ways you can support and help veterans, all it takes is action. You most likely know at least one veteran or military member, show them you care. Ask them what you can do for them.
