Kelly and Hallie had haircut appointments Saturday morning, so Travis and I had a little free time on our hands. After a few attempts prying him from his video game, T and I went downtown to see the Veterans Day parade.
We arrived there about 10:15 but saw no parade. Fayetteville Street was deserted, with no cars and no people. We heard drumming coming from the State Capitol area so we walked over to see what was going on.
There was a crowd milling around the armed forces memorial on the north side of the Capitol but it wasn’t a parade-worthy crowd. Instead, it was kind of small. Based on the crowd after the parade, I’d be willing to bet that there were more people who marched in the parade than watched it.
That was kind of sad. There were plenty of magnetic ribbons sold and many times everyone was urged to “support the troops” but when it came time to show the troops some actual support no one showed up.
I wondered where the crowds were. Why the apathy? Are we all just weary of war? Are we thinking our purchases of magnetic ribbons covers us? That because the wars are no longer front page news we can ignore them? That our servicemembers are home now so they must be living happily ever after?
Regardless of the questionable motives for doing so, this country sent our kids off to war and we should show some appreciation for the sacrifices these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and their families have made supporting that decision.
As many speakers at the ceremony alluded to, our responsibility to these men and women does not end once they return home. There should be an emphasis in hiring veterans so that they can move on with their lives. They should be given full medical coverage for the wounds, both physical and mental, that they received in service to our country.
And, when they finally do return home, we should have the gratitude to actually show up and thank them face to face.