I’m sitting here, thinking about what I’m going to draw for this year’s Veteran’s Day cartoon. And while it is tempting to remind all of us to say “thank you” to our veterans, I can’t help but feel like I need to say more — and that we need to do more. Because saying thanks is one thing — showing it is another.
Only a very small part of population has served in combat since September 11, 2001. But the ones who have have been asked to do very difficult duty over and over again. They have seen and done things that would breaks most of us. They wrote a blank check to our country. It’s truly our national debt. And now, we have wounded warriors in our midst — and many of us are oblivious to it. We’re busy worrying about red coffee cups or who is running for president. In the meantime, brave men and women are falling through the cracks.
They need our help. Now.
We need a “No Veteran Left Behind” initiative. And I say this not as a person who has served — I haven’t. But I have a career saying and drawing what I want to because of their sacrifices. I am very appreciative.
Today, I’ll have Dan Fordice on my radio show (at 10 a.m. on MPB.) Dan is hard work creating ways to help our veterans make the transition from war to peace. It’s called the Warrior Bonfire Project and it’s worthy of you listening. Check out the show live on Mississippi Public Broadcasting. And if you knew a veteran, say thanks. And then show your appreciation.