Pausing for Veterans

As we pause to honor the veterans of this country, surviving and fallen, on this day, I'm also reflecting on war and the reason for it; and the shifting demographic that now includes an influx of young veterans returning to an economically-challenged society, with PTSD and other assimilation problems of their own.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2007...

• There are 23.6 million military veterans in the U.S. 9.3 million of them are 65 and older. 1.9 million are younger than 35.
• Five states have at least 1 million veterans -- California (2.1 million), Florida (1.7 million), Texas (1.7 million), New York (1.1 million), and Pennsylvania (1.1 million).
• Six million veterans have a service-related disability.
• In 2006, government spending for veterans benefits ($72.8 billion total) went to compensation and pensions (48%), medical programs (46%), and other programs like vocational rehabilitation and education.
• The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates that at least 1/3 of the nation's homeless are veterans.
  

Regardless of my views on war, I respect and appreciate all of you for your sacrifice and service. For those of you who are already home, I wish you the best care; and may the ones who are still away return to us safely.