– Editorial – - Take time this week, to thank veterans for their service

By Editorial Board

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 16.2 million veterans currently living in the United States.

Wisconsin ranks 21st among states in veteran population, with just under 320,000 residents who are veterans, which comes to about 6.1 percent of the population of the state. Locally, veterans make up about 6.5 percent of Chippewa County’s population.

What this means, is that, over the course of an average day, the odds are pretty good you have come into contact with at least one, if not many more people, who are veterans, without even being aware of it.

The U.S. Census Bureau defines a veteran as anyone who has served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces. As definitions go, it is straightforward and to the point, with little room for ambiguity. Either you are a veteran or you are not.

Demographically, veterans are similar to other groups, in most superficial ways. They encompass young and old, and mirror local populations wherever they live, as far as economic status, family size and the numbers of pets they might own.

However, there are some key differences. According to the Census Bureau, more than 30 percent of the veteran population live with a disability of some level. This number has increased 15 percent over the last 10 years. By comparison, this is twice the disability rate of the general adult population.

Beyond the wounds that can be seen, veterans, especially those who have been in combat situations, carry with them things such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and other mental health issues. If left untreated, these can lead to tragic results.

According to the Veterans Administration, when adjusting for age and gender, the suicide rate for veterans was 57.3 percent greater than for non-veteran adults in the U.S. Among those suicides, firearms accounted for 71 percent, compared to 50.3 percent within the general population.

These sobering facts make resources, such as county Veterans Service Offices, vital for veterans and their families. It is why it is important to support the work those offices, that do, as well as work done by private non-profit agencies, in providing outlets and the therapy needed for veterans to heal physically, mentally and spiritually.

While there are many reasons why people choose to go into the military, all share the common bond of answering the call to service and being willing to put themselves in harm’s way, for the people at home and for their country. This selfless act sets veterans apart, no matter their circumstances, length of service or any other measure.

Each year, on Veterans Day, we say thank you to our veterans for the service they have done and the service they continue to do in our communities, organizations and families.

Take time this week, to attend a local Veterans Day program, to show respect and to thank veterans for their service, today and throughout the year.

Members of the Courier Sentinel editorial board include publisher Carol O’Leary, general manager Kris O’Leary and Star News editor Brian Wilson.