Veterans' Day is often overlooked by our generation, or taken over by flag-waving conservatives, so I think it's important to remind ourselves of the great sacrifice that veterans have made, and continue to make, on behalf of our country. While I personally work towards a day where our nation will be focused on preemptive peacemaking rather than war, even a war protester like myself acknowledges that we will always need a military for our defense, and I am humbled by the sacrifice of those who choose that path.
Today, let's remember especially the female veterans of war, a population often overlooked. We've heard before about how female soldiers experience sexual assault at disproportionately high rates, but new disturbing reports now indicate female veterans are getting the short end of the stick when it comes to homeless housing services as well. Female nurses from World War II, the Cadet Nurse Corps, are still unrecognized as official veterans by our government, largely because of their sex.
Today, take a few minutes to send a few emails to your representatives. First, write in support of the Cadent Nurse Corps Equity Act. Next, visit the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America website, where you can ask President Bush to sign the GI Bill, which would provide additional services and assistance for our generation of veterans. Finally, if you have a veteran in your life, give them a call today!
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