While all of us, or perhaps almost all of us, are grateful for the service of our soldiers, Marines, sailors, Air Force and Coast Guard we tend to forget that unlike other wars, women are on the front line in Iraq and Afghanistan. No one will officially admit this reality. Yet it exists.
They come home like any other soldier, either with their shield or on it. The number of female KIA is very small. Yet we have already learned from the overwhelming numbers seeking help from the VA system that a physical injury may be, counter intuitive as it may seem, to be easier to deal with than an injury to the physical brain and even worse an injury to the soul. For many there is a darkness that lurks just over the shoulder threatening to take over for a minute, an hour, a week or, horribly, a lifetime.
Let's remember all our veterans. At every political gathering, let us do what Wes Clark does at every speech and every gathering; let's ask our crowd how many are Vets, have them stand and give them a round of applause. It's the least we can do. It's Veterans Day. Find a vet and thank them.
(originally posted at The Democratic Daily)