Ohio Democratic Party Veterans and Military Community Caucus Chair Connie Pillich Marks Veterans Day
November 11, 2021
Columbus, OH — Today, Ohio Democratic Party Veterans and Military Community Caucus Chair Connie Pillich released the following statement to mark Veterans Day:
“I saw a commercial on TV the other day. A national company was touting its many employees who had had military service. While I was pleased that so many of my fellow veterans got good jobs after their service, it reminded me how trendy it is to support veterans these days.
“Back in the day, it was not so trendy. In the Vietnam era, it was a very different picture. There were no ticker-tape parades, no veterans hiring preferences, and almost no educational and health care benefits. Shamefully, some returning vets were greeted with scorn and vulgar gestures, rather than appreciation.
“So, it is nice to see the change.
“But what will happen next? Our longest war is over. But it will continue to impact America’s post-9/11 veterans for many years to come: serious injuries such as amputations, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress don’t just disappear because we have withdrawn from Afghanistan.
“In spite of progress such as the Forever GI Bill, the VA’s recognition of additional Vietnam War-related illnesses, and Ohio’s GI Promise, all of our veterans must build their lives in communities that largely cannot relate to what they have done. These days, only about one-half of one percent of Americans served their country – compared with about 12% during WWII.
“I hope we do not forget the commitment and sacrifice of today’s veterans. Let’s continue this trend of supporting our veterans for a long time to come. Better yet, let’s make it a way of life.”