Veterans Day often conjures images of parades, flags, and patriotic celebration—like a colder July 4th. For years, that’s how I saw the day. Working with service members through TAC, my perspective shifted. Today, it’s not about red, white, and blue streamers or marching bands; it’s about the individuals who served. It’s a solemn reflection to honor the immense sacrifices of time and pain made at the altar of service.
On this day, we pause to honor all who have stood on the shield wall, those who have faced strife to protect their kin and community. We honor not just the bold deeds of the past, but the silent battles that persist today. The lasting hurts are often unseen, and true courage lies in carrying on after the war ends.
The Warrior
The warrior knows that there is more
Than violence and destruction
They train to fight for love of folk
To protect what they hold dear
The warrior knows the greatest threat
Comes from their own mind
To conquer self is the greatest battle
That a warrior can ever encounter
To face danger with bravery
Enter uncertainty with courage
Erupting with unbound violence
Then returning again to peace© Jeff Wolf
To Our Surviving Warriors: Your Wisdom Illuminates Our Path
Today, let us not only offer gratitude but commit to understanding and learning from the enduring wisdom of our surviving warriors. They have walked through fire and returned, carrying insights that can guide us all toward a more resilient, compassionate, and understanding world. Their sacrifices in time and pain are etched into the fabric of our freedom, and their ongoing strength lights the way.
To every Veteran who has returned home, who carries the weight of memory and the fire of experience: We see you. We honor your continued journey. May your wisdom be shared, and may your peace be profound.
To Our Surviving Warriors: Your Wisdom Illuminates Our Path
Today, let us not only offer gratitude but commit to understanding and learning from the enduring wisdom of our surviving warriors. They have walked through fire and returned, carrying insights that can guide us all toward a more resilient, compassionate, and understanding world. Their sacrifices in time and pain are etched into the fabric of our freedom, and their ongoing strength lights the way.
To every Veteran who has returned home, who carries the weight of memory and the fire of experience: We see you. We honor your continued journey. May your wisdom be shared, and may your peace be profound.
If you or a Veteran you know is struggling with the burdens of service, please reach out now. Help is available 24/7.
Veteran Resources
| Crisis & Emergency | Veterans Crisis Line | Immediate, confidential support for veterans and service members in crisis or anyone concerned about them. Available 24/7. | Call 988 and Select 1Text 838255Chat online |
| Mental Health | Vet Centers (VA) | Confidential, no-cost counseling (individual, group, family) for combat veterans and their families. No VA enrollment required. | Call 1-877-927-8387 (24/7) |
| Mental Health | The Headstrong Project | Provides confidential, cost-free, and stigma-free mental health treatment for post-9/11 veterans and their families. | Connect via their website to start care. |
| Community & Peer Support | Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) | Combats veteran isolation by connecting them with their local communities through physical activity and social events. | Visit their website to find a local chapter. |
| Community & Service | The Mission Continues | Empowers veterans to continue service through community volunteerism and leadership development in local neighborhoods. | Visit their website to find service platoons. |
| Benefits & Assistance | VA Benefits Hotline | General information and assistance with disability compensation, pension, education, and other benefits. | Call 1-800-827-1000 |
| Housing | National Call Center for Homeless Veterans | Assistance for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, connecting them with immediate resources. | Call 1-877-424-3838 (24/7) |
| Employment | VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) | Job training, employment accommodations, resume development, and skills coaching for veterans with service-connected disabilities. | Contact your local VA regional office. |
