Happy Veterans Day

November 11th every year is always celebrated with a parade that few people show up to, a few patriotic commercials, a free entree at Applebees, and for a fortunate few, a day off work.

The National Postal Mail Handlers Union got it right in a commercial I saw on TV this morning when they said our veterans don't want a parade when they come home, they want a job.


The unemployment rate for Veterans is 11.5% on veterans day this year (that figure doesn't include long term unemployed or under employed).  If you really want to do something nice for a veteran this year, hire one...  When you hire them, pay them a living wage with medical and dental benefits.


If you're not in a position to hire a veteran this year, celebrate veterans day by volunteering at your local shelter or soup kitchen.  In 2009, over 75,000 veterans were homeless.  


Celebrate veterans day by serving those who have sacrificed so much by serving you.


Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead.


Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in their lives to keep our country free.


If you'd really like to do something for veterans, hire a veteran, feed a veteran, or hug a veteran...  That's what they really need.