If Your Are a Veteran

Over the years I have been fortunate to have worked with Canadian, British and American veterans.  This has given me great insight into the unique and sacrificial roles that military personnel have played in order to secure and protect our freedom. 

It doesn’t matter which of the three countries in which you served; you have many things in common.

If you are a Veteran:

1. Know that you have been trained to do things that most of us couldn’t or wouldn’t do. It takes so much courage to pledge body, mind and soul to a cause that maybe you didn’t even completely understand when you signed up.
2. Your comrades probably became like family members - so close to you that leaving them when you were discharged created a huge hole in your life.
3. All the things that you were trained and required to do during service likely did not transition well into civilian life.
4. Coming “home” after years of service, required a huge adjustment in routine, expectations, purpose and identity.
5. Being strong and hiding your hurts did not and will not heal them. You might have believed that this was your only choice and have done this in the past but there are better options.
6. Both physical and mental injuries can result from trauma situations. Each of your needs deserves acknowledgment and care.
7. Participating in a professional assessment and receiving diagnoses are not shameful activities. They are just processes to ensure that you are provided with the best treatment and services to help you.
8. There are many, many financial and support programs available for Veterans. All you need is to do some research, apply and then use the same tenacity that you demonstrated as a soldier until approval is granted.
9. Begin working with a psychologist who has expertise with Veterans. You will benefit from confidential therapy to help with thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are negatively affecting your ability to function at optimal levels.
10. Know that you are not alone. In the 2021 Canadian census, for example there were 461,240 Veterans counted.  That same year one in twenty-five people in England and Wales reported that they had previously served in the United Kingdom armed forces (1.85 million).  In 2022 there were 16.2 million Veterans in the United States.

After the end of the First World War, beginning in 1919, a Memorial Day was established in Commonwealth countries to honour armed forces members who died in the line of duty.  Today many countries, both Commonwealth and non-Commonwealth recognize those who served with silence and the laying of wreaths on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year.

Sadly, this is not enough! I strongly believe that we need to honour all of you who served and continue to serve – both living and dead – every single day of the year.  After all, you are the brave souls who make our lives easier because of your