Editorial: Veterans Day has increased significance as troops come home

Leading up to the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, citizens will likely come across numerous editorials reflecting on the importance of recognizing our veterans. This discussion can become tiring year after year, but it is especially important this Nov. 11 to remember our veterans, especially those who will be returning home from Iraq at the end of the year.

After the Vietnam War, America was faced with a generation of veterans that were never welcomed home, never reassimilated into our society because of opposition to the war at home. It is our responsibility to ensure that does not happen to another generation of young men and women who, at least for many, have a lot of healing to do, but also have a lot to offer our struggling economy in unique skills and passion.

In 2010, veteran unemployment was reported at 11.5 percent, almost 3 percent higher than the rest of the population. More than 10,000 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are homeless or in programs aimed at getting them off of the streets, according to USA Today.

According to the National Coalition for Veteran Homelessness,107,000 veterans are currently homeless.

King County voters renewed a Veterans and Human Services levy in August, which will provided funding for essential services to veterans in Western Washington, but we must be mindful that this is not enough.

Advocacy and awareness can only go so far in ending homelessness for veterans and others. What is most important is getting involved, having human connection and it is the responsibility of the privileged to reach out to the vulnerable.

As we approach the holidays, it is easy to get caught up in celebration and family gathering, but we challenge you to give an hour of your time to a charitable organization that serves veterans or the homeless. Putting a face to these problems is the best way to mindfully and empathetically engage with them.

This Veterans Day, engage in conversation about what we as Americans can do to improve the relationship between veterans and civilians. Go beyond seeking awareness, find some small way to act as a citizen of a just and humane world.