Saluting our guardians of liberty
We pause today to honor all those who served in the U.S. armed forces, whether in war or peacetime, for their sense of duty and sacrifice.
Formerly known as Armistice Day — to mark the day in 1918 when the fighting ceased in World War I — Veterans Day has been observed on this date since 1978.
Data from a 2020 U.S. Census report shows the evolving state of our veteran military men and women.
From 2000 to 2018, the number of surviving U.S. veterans declined by a third, from 26.4 million to 18 million.
A significant part of that decline can be attributed to the escalating loss of World War II vets. There are fewer than 500,000 of the Greatest Generation alive today, down from 5.7 million in 2000.
The largest current group of veterans served during the Vietnam Era (1964-1975), 6.4 million. The second largest number of veterans, 4 million, served during peacetime.
Given its widespread media scrutiny, it’s not surprising to learn that post-9/11 veterans have the highest chance of sustaining a service-related disability, 43% — significantly higher than veterans of the Gulf War (27%), Vietnam Era (16%) and peacetime (9%).
These statistics reflect medical advances that have allowed more of today’s veterans to survive once-fatal injuries. But as fatalities have declined, the number of disabled has risen.
The most obvious cases stem from combat injuries and trauma. But disabilities go beyond combat-related wounds. They include a range of injuries, diseases and illnesses, such as hearing loss, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), degenerative arthritis and cancer.
The true measure of thanks for those who donned a military uniform shows in the country’s treatment of the men and women who suffered physically and mentally in defense of freedom.
We’ve all heard reports of the Veterans Administration’s failure to deliver the level of service these individuals require.
Despite these past shortcomings, the VA has made strides to reverse that reputation.
A recent decision by the VA demonstrates its newfound commitment to help vets recover — no matter the disability.
Last month the VA announced the extension period of presumptive illnesses for Persian Gulf War veterans until Dec. 31, 2026.
The extension applies to chronic disabilities rated 10% or more that have resulted from undiagnosed illnesses.
Medical conditions assumed by VA to be servicerelated during the Persian Gulf War include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders.
The presumptive conditions also include undiagnosed illnesses with symptoms such as abnormal weight loss, cardiovascular disease, muscle and joint pain, headache, menstrual disorders, neurological and psychological problems, skin conditions, respiratory disorders and sleep disturbances.
Maybe other positive developments will preclude one enthusiastic veterans advocate from undertaking a 90-mile trek to highlight his struggling comrades’ needs.
James Chartier recently completed a four-day journey from Chicopee to the State House to highlight pressing concerns, including PTSD and homelessness.
Chartier’s message to lawmakers? Provide more services to veterans across the state; he’s hoping several bills before the Legislature make it to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk before the end of this legislative session.
So, today we ask everyone who cherishes the freedoms this country enjoys to remember those sentinels of liberty who’ve preserved that privilege.