essay about war veterans

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

121 Veterans Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

There are countless veterans who have served our country with honor and bravery, and their stories deserve to be told. If you are looking for inspiration for an essay about veterans, here are 121 topic ideas and examples to help get you started:

• The impact of war on veterans' mental health
• The challenges faced by veterans transitioning back to civilian life
• The role of veterans in shaping American history
• The importance of honoring and supporting our veterans
• The experiences of female veterans in the military
• The sacrifices made by veterans and their families
• The struggles of homeless veterans
• The effects of PTSD on veterans' daily lives
• The bravery of Medal of Honor recipients
• The diversity of veterans' backgrounds and experiences
• The role of veterans in creating a sense of national unity
• The history of Veterans Day and its significance
• The legacy of famous veterans, such as Audie Murphy or Pat Tillman
• The impact of war on veterans' physical health
• The experiences of LGBTQ veterans in the military
• The challenges faced by disabled veterans
• The importance of recognizing and supporting veterans' mental health needs
• The struggles faced by veterans in accessing healthcare and benefits
• The role of veterans in shaping public policy and advocacy
• The experiences of veterans of different wars, such as Vietnam or Iraq
• The impact of war on veterans' families and loved ones
• The role of veterans in preserving and protecting democracy
• The experiences of veterans who have served multiple tours of duty
• The sacrifices made by veterans in the line of duty
• The challenges faced by veterans in finding employment after leaving the military
• The experiences of veterans who have been deployed overseas
• The impact of war on veterans' relationships and social connections
• The struggles faced by veterans in accessing mental health services
• The experiences of veterans who have served in combat zones
• The role of veterans in promoting peace and reconciliation
• The impact of war on veterans' sense of identity and self-worth
• The challenges faced by veterans in seeking treatment for PTSD
• The experiences of veterans who have been wounded in combat
• The sacrifices made by veterans in protecting our freedoms and rights
• The role of veterans in educating the public about the realities of war
• The experiences of veterans who have served in non-combat roles
• The impact of war on veterans' ability to trust and form relationships
• The challenges faced by veterans in accessing education and training programs
• The experiences of veterans who have participated in humanitarian missions
• The role of veterans in promoting understanding and empathy for others
• The impact of war on veterans' ability to cope with stress and trauma
• The struggles faced by veterans in overcoming addiction and substance abuse
• The experiences of veterans who have served in elite military units
• The sacrifices made by veterans in upholding the values of honor and duty
• The role of veterans in mentoring and supporting younger generations
• The experiences of veterans who have served as peacekeepers and diplomats
• The challenges faced by veterans in dealing with survivor guilt and moral injury
• The impact of war on veterans' spiritual beliefs and practices
• The struggles faced by veterans in adjusting to civilian life after combat
• The experiences of veterans who have been held as prisoners of war
• The sacrifices made by veterans in defending our country from external threats
• The role of veterans in promoting social justice and equality
• The experiences of veterans who have served in the reserves or National Guard
• The challenges faced by veterans in maintaining physical fitness and health
• The impact of war on veterans' ability to communicate and express emotions
• The struggles faced by veterans in navigating the VA healthcare system
• The experiences of veterans who have served in intelligence and reconnaissance roles
• The sacrifices made by veterans in protecting innocent civilians from harm
• The role of veterans in preserving the memory of fallen comrades
• The experiences of veterans who have received training in specialized skills and technologies
• The challenges faced by veterans in dealing with feelings of guilt and shame
• The impact of war on veterans' ability to form and maintain close relationships
• The struggles faced by veterans in confronting the legacy of their service
• The experiences of veterans who have served as advisors and mentors to foreign militaries
• The sacrifices made by veterans in upholding the values of integrity and honesty
• The role of veterans in advocating for peace and diplomacy
• The experiences of veterans who have served as first responders in natural disasters
• The challenges faced by veterans in coping with physical injuries and disabilities
• The impact of war on veterans' sense of purpose and meaning in life
• The struggles faced by veterans in seeking justice and accountability for war crimes
• The experiences of veterans who have served in intelligence and counterterrorism roles
• The sacrifices made by veterans in standing up for what is right and just
• The role of veterans in promoting reconciliation and healing in war-torn societies
• The experiences of veterans who have served in unconventional warfare and insurgency operations
• The challenges faced by veterans in confronting the moral complexities of war
• The impact of war on veterans' ability to forgive themselves and others
• The struggles faced by veterans in confronting the trauma of combat
• The experiences of veterans who have served in peacekeeping and stabilization missions
• The sacrifices made by veterans in defending human rights and dignity
• The role of veterans in promoting dialogue and understanding between conflicting parties
• The experiences of veterans who have served in psychological operations and propaganda warfare
• The challenges faced by veterans in reconciling their military service with their civilian lives
• The impact of war on veterans' sense of identity and belonging
• The struggles faced by veterans in finding meaning and purpose after combat
• The experiences of veterans who have served in unconventional and irregular warfare
• The sacrifices made by veterans in upholding the values of courage and perseverance
• The role of veterans in advocating for justice and accountability in war crimes
• The experiences of veterans who have served in special operations and covert missions
• The challenges faced by veterans in dealing with feelings of isolation and alienation
• The impact of war on veterans' ability to trust and form meaningful relationships
• The struggles faced by veterans in confronting the ethical dilemmas of war
• The experiences of veterans who have served in humanitarian and peacekeeping missions
• The role of veterans in promoting reconciliation and healing in post-conflict societies
• The experiences of veterans who have served in counterinsurgency and stabilization operations
• The challenges faced by veterans in seeking redemption and forgiveness for past actions
• The impact of war on veterans' sense of morality and ethics
• The experiences of veterans who have served in unconventional warfare and counterterrorism operations

These topics and examples are just a starting point for exploring the rich and diverse experiences of veterans. Whether you choose to focus on the challenges they face, the sacrifices they make, or the impact they have on society, there are countless ways to honor and celebrate the contributions of our nation's veterans through the power of the written word.

Want to research companies faster?

Instantly access industry insights

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Leverage powerful AI research capabilities

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2024 Pitchgrade

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

• Publications
• Our Methods
• Short Reads
• Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

Key findings about America’s military veterans

This Veterans Day, Americans across the country will honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. military veterans. A recent Pew Research Center survey of veterans found that, for many who served in combat, their experiences strengthened them personally but also made the transition to civilian life difficult.

Here are key facts about veterans, drawn from that survey:

The experiences of post-9/11 veterans differ from those who served in previous eras. About one-in-five veterans today served on active duty after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. These post-9/11 veterans are more likely to have been deployed and to have served in combat, giving them a distinct set of experiences compared with those who served in previous eras.

Post-9/11 veterans are also more likely than their predecessors to bear some of the physical and psychological scars of combat. Roughly half (47%) of post-9/11 veterans say they had emotionally traumatic or distressing experiences related to their military service, compared with one-quarter of pre-9/11 veterans. About a third (35%) of post-9/11 veterans say they sought professional help to deal with those experiences, and a similar share say that – regardless of whether they have sought help – they think they have suffered from post-traumatic stress (PTS).

A majority of veterans say they have felt proud of their service since leaving the military. Roughly two-thirds of all veterans (68%) say, in the first few years after leaving the military, they frequently felt proud of their military service. An additional 22% say they sometimes felt proud, and 9% say they seldom or never felt this way. Pre-9/11 veterans are more likely to say they frequently felt proud of their service than are post-9/11 veterans (70% vs. 58%).

Most veterans say they would endorse the military as a career choice. Roughly eight-in-ten (79%) say they would advise a young person close to them to join the military. This includes large majorities of post-9/11 veterans, combat veterans and those who say they had emotionally traumatic experiences in the military.

More veterans say the military did a good job preparing them for life in the service than it did in readying them for the transition to civilian life.

Veterans across eras offer similarly positive evaluations of the job the military did preparing them for military life, but less so when it comes to the return to civilian life. Roughly nine-in-ten veterans (91%) say the training they received when they first entered the military prepared them very or somewhat well for military life. By contrast, about half (52%) say the military prepared them very or somewhat well for the transition to civilian life.

About half of post-9/11 veterans say readjusting to civilian life was difficult. While about three-quarters of all veterans (73%) say readjusting to civilian life was very or somewhat easy, roughly one-in-four (26%) say it was at least somewhat difficult.

There is a significant gap between pre- and post-9/11 veterans in this regard. About half of post-9/11 veterans (47%) say it was very or somewhat difficult for them to readjust to civilian life after their military service. By comparison, only about one-in-five veterans whose service ended before 9/11 (21%) say their transition was very or somewhat difficult. A large majority of pre-9/11 veterans (78%) say it was easy for them to make the transition.

For many veterans, the imprints of war are felt beyond their tour of duty. The challenges some veterans face during the transition to civilian life can be financial, emotional and professional.

About a third of veterans (35%) say they had trouble paying their bills in their first few years after leaving the military, and roughly three-in-ten (28%) say they received unemployment compensation. One-in-five say they struggled with alcohol or substance abuse.

Veterans who say they have suffered from PTS are much more likely to report experiencing these things than those who did not. Roughly six-in-ten (61%) say they had trouble paying their bills, about four-in-ten (42%) say they had trouble getting medical care for themselves or their families, and a similar share (41%) say they struggled with alcohol or substance abuse.

When it comes to employment, a majority of veterans say their military service was useful in giving them the skills and training they needed for a civilian job. About one-in-three veterans (29%) say it was very useful, and another 29% say it was fairly useful. There are significant differences by rank: While 78% of veterans who served as commissioned officers say their military service was useful, smaller shares of those who were noncommissioned officers (59%) or enlisted (54%) say the same.

Most post-9/11 veterans say having served in the military was an advantage when it came to finding their first post-military job – 35% say this helped a lot and 26% say it helped a little. Only about one-in-ten (9%) say having served in the military hurt their ability to get a job. Among veterans who looked for a job after leaving the military, 57% say they found one in less than six months, and an additional 21% say they had a job in less than a year.

Veterans give the VA mixed reviews.

Most veterans (73%) say they have received benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. When asked to assess the job the VA is doing in meeting the needs of veterans, fewer than half (46%) of all veterans say the VA is doing an excellent or good job in this regard.

More broadly, 64% of veterans say the government has given them about as much help as it should have. Three-in-ten say the government has given them too little help. Post-9/11 veterans are more likely than those from previous eras to say the government has given them less help than it should have (43% vs. 27%).

Majorities of veterans say the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were not worth fighting. Additional findings from the same survey show that about two-thirds of veterans (64%) say they think the war in Iraq was not worth fighting considering the costs versus the benefits to the United States, while 33% say it was. Similarly, a majority of veterans (58%) say the war in Afghanistan was not worth fighting. About four-in-ten (38%) say it was worth fighting.

Views differ significantly by party. Republican and Republican-leaning veterans are much more likely than veterans who identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party to say the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were worth fighting: 45% of Republican veterans vs. 15% of Democratic veterans say the war in Iraq was worth fighting, while 46% of Republican veterans and 26% of Democratic veterans say the same about Afghanistan.

Views on U.S. military engagement in Syria are also more negative than positive. Among veterans, 42% say the campaign in Syria has been worth it, while 55% say it has not. (The survey was conducted entirely before President Donald Trump’s decision to remove U.S. troops from parts of Syria.)

A majority of Americans and veterans associate discipline and patriotism with veterans. Majorities among veterans (61%) and the general public (64%) say most Americans look up to people who have served in the military. And veterans see themselves as more disciplined (84%) and patriotic (71%) than those who have not served in the military. Most Americans agree with this: 67% of all adults say being disciplined better describes veterans than non-veterans, and 59% say the same about being patriotic.

About a third or more among veterans and the public say veterans are more hard-working than those who haven’t served. Still, when it comes to things like being tolerant and open to all groups, the public is less likely to see this as a trait associated with military service than veterans are themselves.

Note: See  full topline results  and  methodology .

• Military & Veterans

Ruth Igielnik is a former senior researcher at Pew Research Center .

The changing face of America’s veteran population

A look back at how fear and false beliefs bolstered u.s. public support for war in iraq, new congress will have a few more veterans, but their share of lawmakers is still near a record low, around one-in-five candidates for congress or governor this year are veterans, americans’ trust in scientists, other groups declines, most popular.

901 E St. NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20004 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

• Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan, nonadvocacy fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It does not take policy positions. The Center conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, computational social science research and other data-driven research. Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts , its primary funder.

© 2024 Pew Research Center

Why are Veterans Important and Why They Should Never be Forgotten

Why are veterans important? Military veterans are among the most important members of our society. They have committed years of their lives to serving and protecting our country, and they deserve our gratitude and respect. Veterans have sacrificed their time, health, and often even their own lives to preserve our freedom and safeguard our nation. It is crucial to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of our veterans and honor their service. In this blog post, we will discuss why veterans are so important and why they should never be forgotten.

Veterans Defend Our Freedom:

One significant reason our veterans are important is that they defend our freedom. Veterans served and they are the ones who willingly stand in the line of fire to ensure that we can live our lives without fear of oppression or tyranny. They protect us from external threats while ensuring that our way of life is preserved. They leave their homes, families, and livelihoods to defend our nation, and they do so without asking for anything in return except appreciation.

Veterans Sacrificed their Lives for our Safety:

Veterans’ contributions cannot be understated, especially those who have paid the ultimate price by sacrificing their own lives for our safety. They serve their country with selflessness and sacrifice and bear the heavy burden of their service on behalf of American citizens. We must honor their brave actions and never forget the price they paid for our freedom.

Veteran’s Protection of our Communities:

Veterans play a crucial role in their communities, too. They come home and serve as doctors, lawyers, and other vital professionals. They continue to keep us safe by protecting and serving our communities and bringing their discipline, experience, and leadership to civilian offices. They embody strength, discipline, and moral values, which are models that younger generations can emulate.

Veterans Provide Inspiration to Younger Generations:

Veterans’ contributions also provide inspiration and motivation to younger generations. They set an excellent example of self-discipline, perseverance, and honor for children and adults alike. As the younger generation learns to value the contributions of veterans, the importance of their roles will continue to be passed down and instilled in future generations.

Veterans Deserve Our Respect and Support:

Lastly, veterans deserve our continuous support and care. They experienced extreme hardships and trauma during their service years that often follow them into their civilian lives. It is our duty as Americans to honor and support their sacrifice by helping them navigate civilian life. Providing necessary resources, mental health care, and other support systems could immensely improve their quality of life.

How We Can Better Support Our Veterans After Their Service

Veterans deserve our respect and gratitude for serving our country. They risked their lives to protect us and our freedom, and in return, we should support them in any way we can. However, thousands of veterans face physical and mental challenges daily, and many of them struggle to fit in and adjust to normal life post-military. Below, we delve into how we can better support our veterans’ needs after their service.

1) Improve Access to Medical, Mental and Emotional Health Support:

Given that veterans’ physical or mental health has been compromised as a result of long deployment periods, it’s essential that we provide them with easy access to medical care. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of benefits, including healthcare , counseling programs, and disability compensation , among other benefits for veterans and their family members. Additionally, there are many non-profit community-based organizations and charities that offer mentorship, job training, financial aid , and transitional housing that can provide the necessary resources and support for veterans.

2) Advocate for Better Employment Opportunities:

It’s critical to secure adequate jobs that guarantee stability and growth to ensure financial independence for veterans after their service. Finding employment can be a challenge for veterans, particularly those who may have physical or mental health issues. Organizations such as Veterans Affairs can train veterans on valuable job skills and even offer hiring bonuses to companies that employ veterans. Proactive measures by businesses to support veterans looking for employment, including understanding their needs, can significantly improve the veteran’s chances of success.

3) Provide Housing Assistance:

Homelessness can be a major issue that veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. Veterans may have physical, mental, and emotional problems that hinder them from making enough money to afford housing or pay their rent. Providing transitional housing assistance can help ease the transition from military forces to civilian life. Additionally, non-profit organizations such as Department of VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) can provide rental assistance and support for those at risk of homelessness or who have lost their homes.

4) Donate and Volunteer:

There are various non-profits, community support groups, and organizations directly focused on supporting veterans, that you can donate to. Donations can go a long way in providing essential resources for veterans facing a range of challenges. Volunteering can also help combat issues of loneliness and depression faced by many veterans. Community service involves working alongside veterans, helping engage meaningful activities that foster connection, and working with other volunteers to provide support.

5) Stay Engaged and Informed:

Ultimately, the best way to support veterans is to stay engaged and informed. Your support can go a long way in advocating policies or benefiting veterans as they transition to civilian life. Stay informed about veterans’ issues, policy changes, and the benefits that are available to them. You can follow veteran support organizations on social media, sign up for newsletters, or volunteer regularly. You can also participate in events, forums, or rallies organized by veteran’s advocacy groups to stay active and connected.

Supporting veterans’ needs after serving our nation should be a top priority for all of us. Veterans face significant challenges transitioning from military to civilian life and may need help in accessing healthcare, housing, employment, and other resources. It’s our responsibility to provide the necessary support for our heroic veterans and ensure that their sacrifices aren’t forgotten. Through various channels like community organizations, charities, donations, and volunteering, we can work together to ensure that veterans are empowered to lead productive and fulfilling lives post-service.

The History and Importance of Veterans

Veterans have played an integral role in shaping our world as we know it today. The sacrifices they made during their time in the military should never be forgotten and we should always remember them. This long-standing tradition of service to the country dates back centuries, back to the settling of territories in the Americas. The role of veterans and military personnel has evolved a lot over time, but their contributions are always appreciated. Let’s delve into the history of veterans, their role in conflicts, their service to our nation, and their impact on American society.

Armed Forces

The history of veterans can be traced back to the American Revolution, in which the brave men and women fought for our nation’s independence from Great Britain. The foundation for a professional military was laid out during this period. This move gave structure to what came to be known as the armed forces. These early veterans set the tone for future generations of servicemen and women that followed them.

The Civil War is perhaps one of the most significant conflicts where veterans played a crucial role. In addition to the Union and Confederate armies, many African American soldiers, who were believed to be unfit for service, joined the Union forces. The civil war veterans set the foundation for caring for wounded and ill soldiers after the conflict, pioneering the introduction of veteran organizations like the Grand Army of the Republic.

In the 20th century, veterans played a crucial role in the Global two World Wars, World War I and II, among other conflicts. Armistice Day marked the end of World War I. During World War II, approximately 16 million Americans served in the military, and people were encouraged to support the war effort by purchasing war bonds and maintaining production levels of war goods.

VA System (VA)

The Veterans Affairs (VA) system was established in the early 1900s to care for veterans’ needs in return for their service to the country. After World War II, the number of veterans leaped, necessitating a more robust VA system to take care of their needs post-military service. The VA operates hospitals and other health care facilities throughout the United States and provides various services, including disability compensation and pension benefits, education and training benefits, home loan benefits, and more.

The history of veterans stretches back centuries, and their sacrifices and service are to be respected and admired. Veterans have made incredible contributions to the country, and their impact can be seen in virtually all aspects of American life. It is essential to honor veterans always, not just during military holidays like Veterans Day or Memorial Day. We must acknowledge their contributions and continue to show gratitude by funding programs that support them, not just the VA, but creating job opportunities, scholarships, and other services to make their transition to civilian life easier. Let us always ensure veterans, national guard, army, navy, coast guard etc.. receive the respect, appreciation, and recognition they deserve for their unwavering service to our nation by standing for the national anthem.

Conclusion:

Veterans fought for us, and have played, and continue to play, a significant role in shaping our nation’s history and future. We must never forget their sacrifices, dedication, and commitment to our country’s well-being. As a nation, it is our collective responsibility to show support and appreciation to these brave individuals who have served us with courage, honor, and sacrifice, and the ones in active duty.

Not just on the national holiday of veteran’s day, but every day. Their contributions are priceless, and it is our duty to never forget their sacrifices and remind the younger generation of their legacy. We must continue to honor our veterans, providing them with the support they need upon their return home while recognizing their contributions to society. They are a part of our history, our present, and our future.

Pulling For Veterans

We believe that education and awareness for veterans with PTSD is detrimental. Thats why Pulling For Veterans educates on after duty life and mental health for veterans.

Rent A Trailer

100% of donations goes towards PTSD veteran resources

Honor Your Veteran

Honor your veteran by having his or her name, photo, and bio printed on a ‘Pulling for Veterans’ trailer.

Related Articles

Pulling For Veterans Trailer Rental: Bringing Awareness

Aug 15, 2023 | Blog

Pulling For Veterans Trailer Rental is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that is bringing awareness to military Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The community can rent out a pull trailer as a rolling memorial on your vehicle honoring our brothers and sisters who...

Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF): A Comprehensive Guide

Aug 8, 2023 | Blog

Are you looking for supportive services for veterans families? Serving in the military comes with a lot of challenges, and one of them is the toll it takes on the families of those serving. These families often endure long periods of separation, are relocated...

Living with a PTSD Disability: How to Apply for Benefits

Aug 1, 2023 | Blog

PTSD disability is a very real thing. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness condition that occurs when a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Individuals living with stressor related disorders often have to deal with intrusive...

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Coming Home To Less Than A Hero's Welcome

Karl Marlantes

Karl Marlantes receives the Navy Cross in the winter of 1969-70. USMC hide caption

Karl Marlantes receives the Navy Cross in the winter of 1969-70.

See A Slideshow About U.S. Veterans

Karl Marlantes is the author of What It Is Like To Go To War.

I returned to America in October of 1969 after 13 months as a Marine in Vietnam. While I was there, I would comfort myself by imagining all the girls I ever knew hugging me in a huge warm group embrace. Somehow, I thought something similar would be waiting for me when I came home.

I was totally unprepared for what actually happened. My big brother picked me up at Travis Air Force Base in California. As we started to leave the terminal he put his hand on my shoulder and warned me that there might be trouble outside. "Trouble?" I asked.

I'd just gotten back from Vietnam. But the war held no hurt or humiliation like what happened as we drove through a crowd of protesters shouting obscenities at us, flipping us the bird, and pounding on my brother's 1960 Valiant with their fists and protest signs. I can still see the hate-filled face of a protester snarling at me through the passenger-side window. I can still feel my utter bewilderment and pain.

There were no hugs. My long imagined safe harbor was sewn with mines of hate.

This kind of thing no longer happens. I'm immensely happy that America has learned to distinguish the kids fighting our wars from the adults making the war policies. But I worry that instead, we have become smugly complacent.

These days, there are yellow ribbons, beer commercials showing people clapping at airports, and banners on freeway overpasses. There is the well-intended "thank you for your service," and a hasty handshake. I've even received these, 40 years late. I know it is done with kind intentions, so I smile and say thank you. But inside I feel hollow — even slightly embarrassed. I know too many people who have died doing what I am getting thanked for. I also know, having gone through four decades of trying to reintegrate into my own culture, that ribbons and handshakes fall way short of what returning veterans actually need. A real "welcome home" is being helped with these challenges.

Karl Marlantes is also the author of the best-selling Vietnam War novel Matterhorn . Devon Marlantes hide caption

Karl Marlantes is also the author of the best-selling Vietnam War novel Matterhorn .

We veterans are just part of a complex and interconnected web of people who voted for the policymakers who decided war was the right response, who paid their taxes to finance it, who grew the food, who financed the factories where the weapons were built or who taught the scientists who designed them. The veterans' part of this web is that we were the ones who pulled the trigger at the end of the line — and carry the burden of that for everyone else.

I recently shared a radio interview with a young veteran from Afghanistan. He'd been back two years. While we were waiting to go on the air he told me that three of his friends from his own small unit had already committed suicide. Two years. Although suicide statistics for veterans are very difficult to pin down — is a drug overdose a suicide? How about cirrhosis of the liver? — Veterans Affairs statistics from 2010 show that 18 veterans commit suicide a day.

Clapping at airports and a handshake is way better than what happened after Vietnam, but clearly it isn't enough.

Our troops are coming home and our part of the killing over there is ending. Our work to end the killing over here is just beginning.

Related NPR Stories

Youth radio, injured iraq vet becomes symbol for occupy oakland, the impact of war, rebuilding soldiers transformed by war injuries, soldiers say it's hard to return to civilian life.

• Share full article

I Watched Friends Die in Afghanistan. The Guilt Has Nearly Killed Me.

I was convinced the deaths of my friends in combat were my fault. It took me years to realize this feeling had a name: survivor guilt.

Credit... Illustration by Jesse Draxler

Supported by

By Adam Linehan

• Nov. 11, 2019

When my grandfather Michael Linehan Jr. arrived in North Africa in December 1943 to begin his tour of duty with the 15th Air Force, the average life expectancy of an Allied heavy-bomber crewman was roughly six combat missions, less than a fourth of what he was required to fly. As the 25-year-old pilot of a B-24 Liberator, my grandfather flew in some of the most decisive engagements of the war, including the Battle of Anzio and the second Ploesti oil-field raids. Upon completing his tour, he was transferred to the Eighth Air Force just in time to fly bombing runs on D-Day. According to his discharge papers, he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross and two Air Medals before being sent to Texas in August 1944. He spent the remainder of the war training new bomber pilots near El Paso, a job he liked to joke was scarier than combat and in reality was hardly less dangerous. Driving through the area with my uncle several years later, he pointed to a mountain looming over the edge of town. “See all those craters?” he said. “Those were made by new guys.”

My grandfather stopped talking about the war long before I was born, and very few of his stories survive. One is of a low-flying mission over Crete, during which half his squadron was gunned down by German antiaircraft batteries. B-24 crew members had such a high fatality rate during World War II that the aircraft was nicknamed “the flying coffin.” Between the Luftwaffe and the German 88s, there was only so much a crew could do to avoid being blown out of the sky. More than 52,000 American airmen were killed in the war. For many of those who made it home, existential questions over the role luck played in their survival would eventually take a heavy toll on them and their families. “The flyer who returns to his home and is lionized for heroic exploits may still torture himself with the feeling of unworthiness and guilt,” the sociologist Willard Waller cautioned in his landmark 1944 book, “The Veteran Comes Back.”

My grandfather’s brother, Jack, served with the Navy in the Pacific, and after the war the two men bought adjacent homes in their native Dallas, where their father emigrated from County Cork, Ireland, as a teenager. The brothers also started a plastics-manufacturing company, and it became lucrative enough to support their mutual devotion to gambling, liquor and bird hunting. My grandfather was a lifelong driver of big Cadillacs, and he liked to drive the way he flew his B-24: fast and loaded on bourbon. I never really got to know the man, in part because laryngeal cancer deprived him of a voice box in his later years. The last time I saw him, he was on his deathbed, enmeshed in medical tubing and fighting for oxygen.

He died in May 2005. A man he flew with in the war attended the funeral. After the ceremony, he introduced himself to the bereaved as a member of the Lucky Bastard Club. My grandfather had also belonged to the group. The club was exclusive to Allied bomber crewmen in Europe, but it wasn’t much of an organization. The perks of membership were small, like getting to cut in line at the chow hall. To be inducted, an Allied airman had to complete a full tour of duty. That was the only criterion. “On this 5th day of July, nineteen hundred and forty four, the fickle finger of Fate has traced on the rolls of the Lucky Bastard Club the name of Michael Linehan Jr.,” states the certificate my grandfather kept on a shelf to remind him that he had “achieved the remarkable record of having sallied forth, and returned, no fewer than 50 times, bearing tons and tons of high explosive Goodwill to the Feuhrer and would-be Feuhrers.”

[ Sign up for the weekly At War newsletter to receive stories about duty, conflict and consequence.]

I grew up thinking of my grandfather as a drunk. His spiral into self-destruction left a legacy of bitterness and addiction that will haunt our family for generations to come. But only recently have I begun to realize how much of that legacy is rooted in the war. My grandfather came home with a piece of paper essentially stating that he didn’t earn or deserve the rest of his life. That’s pretty much how he lived it. And, without conscious intent, that’s pretty much how I lived, too. In 2006, I dropped out of college and joined the Army, in-processing at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, where my grandfather had out-processed six decades before. Not that he inspired me to enlist; to the contrary, I thought war might purge some of the Linehan from my blood — specifically, the lack of confidence and the self-destructive tendencies that had hobbled me since I was young. I wanted to sever ties with the Lucky Bastard Club. Instead, I became a member.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Advertisement

• Social Justice
• Environment
• Health & Happiness
• Get YES! Emails
• Teacher Resources

• Give A Gift Subscription

Combat Veterans Tell Us What We Need to Know About War

Charles Battle’s voice, gentle and soft, is little more than a whisper when he recalls his time at war. No visible scars give testimony to his tour in Vietnam, but when he talks about his combat experiences, his eyes glaze with tears. He pauses as another resident of the North Carolina veteran’s home in which he temporarily lives ambles past the picnic table where we talk.

“I saw so many awful things I can’t forget. I don’t want to burden you. Are you sure you want to know what war is?”

Battle was one of 65 participants in a photographic series I have worked on for more than three years in which I asked combat veterans and those who have worked with them a single question: “What should we know about war?” I asked each person to write a brief answer.

Some took months to put their response on paper as they struggled to answer the question. Every response came from a deep place in the heart and mind of the participant. Some spoke of the politics of war, others of personal experiences. Some looked back on their military service, still trying to make sense of their time in combat. Some have spent their lives protesting wars and advocating for peace when their time in the service ended.

I think of comforting Battle, telling him there’s no need to relive trauma. But I do need to hear his answer. We all do. Being ignorant of the horrors of war makes us complicit. And so I listen.

All of the project participants still grapple with events that changed them forever. Here are the things they want us to know.

Charles Battle Vietnam veteran

Stay alive.

I saw one of my friends get blown up. He stepped on an anti-tank mine and it killed him. Half of his leg was in his boot. Another friend drove a Jeep into a pine tree. He had twin daughters he never saw. Then another one of his buddies is in a hospital in Raleigh. He killed a 12-year-old girl who came into camp strapped with dynamite. She was a suicide bomber. We all would have been killed. He was the only one with a heart to shoot her. It messed him up in the head and he’s in a mental hospital.

Fred Kempe Air Force

War is the greatest evil in the world. It contains all other evils within it. The fact it is left to our youth is obscene.

Allen Hallmark Army

You should know first that war is a lie. Please read the book War is a Lie by David Swanson before enlisting in the military. The book is a thorough refutation of every major argument used to justify wars, drawing on evidence from numerous past wars, with a focus on those wars that have been defended as just and good. Recruiters start the lying because they have to meet the quotas. I was lied to by my recruiter and the lying by drill instructors, officers, and NCOs continued throughout my four years in the Army.

You should know that war is not a romantic adventure. You become part of a killing machine and are complicit in the killing of innocent civilians, the destruction of cities, the devastation of the environment even if you never pull a trigger or drop a bomb.

You should know that joining a service to straighten out your life and get money for college or vocational training quite possibly won’t work out that way. Thousands of soldiers and vets commit suicide every year, inflict violence on family members and are otherwise tormented by their experiences. It’s not worth it!

Roberto Casillas Army

War is what some countries use to help big businesses gain resources needed to make filthy amounts of money. War is also used to control and to further oppress the disenfranchised. War has not been about restoring freedom or peace to any other country. War has to end so we can unify and focus our energy on promoting peace.

Amelia M. McDanel Navy

I think it is too simple to think of war in such large-scale terms. Wars are about governments and economies, to the detriment of individuals. Even when you feel like you are doing the right thing, for the right reasons, the truth is people are dying. That has to be the most important thing. People are dying and people are killing and cities are being leveled. No one is safe from the devastation. I joined the service as a young person thinking I was among the best of the best. But we are all just people trying to get by. Though I was never in direct combat, my service was not without consequences. As a woman, I’m not sure that was ever possible. It’s also not possible for me to say if it was worth it. Fifteen years later, I still don’t.

William H. Woods Jr. Army sergeant first class, retired

I served in the military during the Vietnam War, Iraq War, and the Persian Gulf War. Although I never engaged in combat, I served with trained personnel who did. I had the honor to associate with soldiers who came back from Vietnam and listened to the horrors of what it was like. Likewise some of the fellow soldiers I associated with who went to Vietnam were killed. Iraq and the Persian Gulf, some of the troops whom I personally trained went to those places, some of whom never came back, some who came back injured, and some who lost families, and some who suffered mental problems.

People think that if you never engaged in combat that you didn’t suffer, but if you lived with or worked with buddies, friends, or comrades, or loved ones, you will feel a lot of pain even though you were never engaged in a combat zone. War affects everybody.

Letty Martinez Navy

War breaks us. It detaches us from our core humanity. War removes us from ourselves and programs us to find enemies in anyone or anything that is unfamiliar. It robs us of our humanity and empathy. War poisons our hearts, minds, and spirits. It reduces us to cold shells —unfeeling, unloving—of ourselves first and then others, and back around. We can break that cycle though. The opposite of war is creation, nurturing, and healing. When we do our work to slow down, feel, and see ourselves in others, we can end wars. But we all have to do it. We all have to do the work to end wars.

Harvey L. Thorstad Navy commander

War is for the corporate elite for their exploitation of other countries. Look beyond the noble propaganda of our politicians to the real motives for war.

James Toler Army

War is not the answer to peace or happiness. Once you enter into war, there is no returning to normalcy. Your life will change forever, and your innocence will be lost.

Michelle Fusco Air Force, retired

War is a never-ending evil. It puts money in the pockets of politicians and the companies that produce the items to supply the war machine. War is not a video game; it is not an adventure. Bullets and bombs kill and maim. I have never shot my weapon in order to kill, but I have carried bodies off planes, bodies in transfer cases, body bags, and buckets. “War is not healthy for children or other living things.”

Mike Hastie Army medic

You do not bring the enemy to the peace table by just killing military combatants. You ultimately bring the enemy to the peace table by killing innocent civilians. They are military targets. The primary goal of the aggressor nation is to break the spirit of the people, and its ability to defend its homeland. This strategy is as old as warfare itself.

Nathan Fritog Marine

War is reality. War is at times beautiful, heartbreaking, and messy. It is filled with love, hate, peace, desperation, and overwhelming sadness. There is no cause for these recent wars except to put money in politicians pockets. If history shows us anything, it’s that it’s violent. Maybe we should try something different.

Tammy D. Army

It may be reasonable to argue points of justification for war. The sacrifices may be necessary. The commitment to serve one’s country is certainly a most honorable way to live. Any of these tangible, logical, socially acceptable conversations that have been spoken (and unspoken) over the decades and centuries are not actually the most important things to know about war. What is most important to know (and honor) is that when war occurs, the energy of that war, the effects of that war, the hells of that war, ripple through our soldiers, their families, their generations of families, their towns and cities, their places of future employment, their governments. Even when human memory fails, the universal energy of war remains. War is man-made hell, regardless of the intention.

Larry Kerschner Army

The first man I killed was small and Hidden in the tall grass. Being a killer forever changes you. Even if you learn to be kind and considerate and civilized that part of you is always hiding down inside awaiting a chance. A normal person does not want to kill and will avoid it at all costs. The military won’t allow you to remain normal. It doesn’t matter if you think you are smart enough not to get caught up in their lies. They will change you. Don’t be sucked into the biggest myth and lie that dying for your country is somehow heroic.

Edward Tick PTSD psychotherapist for veterans since 1970

Military service and warfare change us forever. Combat is more unspeakably horrible than anyone can imagine. Its “glory” is all sham. Service brings out the best and the worst in human beings. War is indeed hell on Earth. Once the inner warrior is awakened, she/he will never become dormant again, and we must evolve into a higher spiritual identity. There can be homecoming and healing, but it is a long, slow, difficult road home. This is a 5,000-year-old story that we all must serve and transform.

Francessca Lee Marine

The wounds a military person suffers are not always seen by the outside world. The pain inside is not always revealed. We as a country have never really counted the damage war leaves behind. It’s not just on the battlefield. This pain is carried back home to the wives, husbands, and children, parents, and siblings. PTSD and depression affects everyone connected but is just beginning to be understood. Everybody deals with stress differently, and it leaves loved ones feeling helpless. It can lay dormant for decades and surface from stimulation from any of the five senses.

Napoleon Hodgers Marine sergeant

I find no glory in war. In wars, people die. Unfortunately, there will always be those who are strong, that prey on the weak. And it is necessary for others to take up their defense. This is the world that we live in. However war—simply for the sake of conquest—is wrong. There is no honor in these actions. Protecting your family, your loved ones, your country—and those who cannot protect themselves—brings honor in this life and what follows, when we stand before the creator and are judged for the life that we have led.

Inspiration in Your Inbox

Sign up to receive email updates from YES!

When Soldiers Come Home, Who Tends to Their Moral Injuries?

Women Are Vets, Too: Meet the Organization that Acts Like It

Dryhootch: A Milwaukee Coffeeshop Where Vets Help Vets Survive—At Home

These Two Vets Walked Thousands of Miles to Heal Trauma and Raise Money

Inspiration in your inbox..

Veterans Day ,

Veterans Day Essays for All Grades and Ages (10 Samples)

October 18, 2023, 3:17 am 177 Views 0 Comments

Veterans Day holds a special place in the heart of our nation, a day to honor the selfless sacrifices of our military heroes. Recognizing the importance of imparting this sentiment to every generation, we’ve meticulously curated 10 essays , each resonating with a distinct age group.

From the curious minds of elementary students to the analytical thinkers in high school, these essays are tailored to provide a deeper understanding. Infused with personal anecdotes and historical insights, our collection aims to bridge the age gap, fostering a shared appreciation for Veterans Day. We invite you to journey through these narratives, each echoing the expertise and dedication behind its creation.

Starting with this quote :

Heroism is seen in the sacrifice that you gave.

Now, let’s delve into the essays and explore the many facets of Veterans Day.

Veterans Day Essays for Grade 11 to 12

Table of Contents

1. Veterans Day: Honoring Through Reflection and Understanding

Veterans Day holds a profound significance in our nation’s heart. It’s a day dedicated to recognizing the unparalleled sacrifices and the enduring legacy of service by our veterans. These brave individuals, through their stories of valor, have not only protected our freedoms but have also shaped the very fabric of our society.

The weight of their sacrifice is immeasurable. From the battlefields to the home front, their stories resonate with courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the values we hold dear. As we reflect on Veterans Day, it’s essential to delve deeper into understanding these sacrifices, ensuring that their contributions are never taken for granted.

However, understanding alone isn’t enough. Our role as a society extends beyond mere reflection. We must actively support and engage with our veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. This means creating platforms for their stories, fostering environments where their experiences are shared, and continuously educating the younger generations about the importance of Veterans Day.

By doing so, we not only honor our veterans but also strengthen our nation’s bond, ensuring that the legacy of service continues to inspire future generations. As we move forward, let’s pledge to make every day a day of gratitude, reflection, and understanding, keeping the spirit of Veterans Day alive throughout the year.

From : Jessica Martinez

Grade : 12th

Interests : History, Civic Engagement, Literature

Have you seen this: 40+ Thank You Veterans Quotes

2. Veterans Day: The Evolution of a Nation’s Gratitude

Introduction:

Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11th, has evolved in its significance and observance. From its origins post-World War I to its contemporary observance, it reflects a nation’s evolving relationship with its military and veterans.

From Armistice Day to Veterans Day:

Initially commemorated as Armistice Day, November 11th marked the end of World War I. However, as the U.S. found itself embroiled in subsequent conflicts, the day’s significance expanded to honor all veterans, leading to its renaming in 1954.

A Nation’s Gratitude:

The way Veterans Day is observed has evolved over the decades. While parades, ceremonies, and moments of silence remain staples, there’s a growing emphasis on understanding the diverse experiences of veterans, from those who served in World War II to those returning from recent conflicts.

The Future of Veterans Day:

As society becomes more interconnected and globalized, Veterans Day offers an opportunity for reflection on global peace and the role of diplomacy. It’s essential to honor the past while also envisioning a future where conflicts are resolved without resorting to war.

Conclusion:

Veterans Day, with its rich history and evolving significance, serves as a bridge between the past and the future. It’s a day to honor those who have served while also reflecting on the broader implications of war and peace in a globalized world.

3. Veterans Day: More Than Just a Day Off School

Every year, as November rolls around, I can’t help but notice the buzz in school about the upcoming Veterans Day holiday. For many, it’s just another day off, a break from the usual grind of assignments and tests. But this year, I decided to dig deeper, to understand what this day truly means.

I started by talking to my grandpa, a World War II veteran. Over a cup of his favorite black tea, he shared stories of his time in the army, the friends he made, and those he lost. It was an afternoon of laughter, tears, and a whole lot of reflection. It made me realize that Veterans Day isn’t just about honoring those who served; it’s about understanding their stories, their sacrifices, and the world they helped shape.

In our digital age, it’s easy to forget the past. We’re so caught up in the now, the latest trends, the viral videos. But there’s so much to learn from the past, from the people who’ve been there, done that. Veterans Day is our chance to reconnect, to listen, and to learn.

So, this Veterans Day, I challenge my peers to do the same. Let’s take a moment to talk to a veteran, be it a family member, a neighbor, or even a stranger. Let’s hear their stories, share them, and ensure they’re not forgotten. Because, in the end, it’s these stories, these memories, that shape our present and our future.

From : Alex Turner

Grade : 11th

Interests : History Club, Soccer Team, School Newspaper

Veterans Day Essays for Grade 7th and 8th

4. The True Meaning of Veterans Day

Every year on November 11th, we celebrate Veterans Day. But what makes this day so special? Why do schools close, parades march down the streets, and flags fly high? This day, known as Veterans Day, is more than just a holiday; it’s a day to honor and remember the brave individuals who served in our military.

A Day with Deep Roots:

Veterans Day started as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. The world rejoiced as the guns fell silent on the battlefields of Europe. Over time, as more men and women served in other wars and conflicts, the day’s significance expanded. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those from World War I.

Heroes in Many Forms:

Veterans come from all walks of life. They’re our grandparents, neighbors, and sometimes, our teachers. Each of them has a unique story of bravery, sacrifice, and dedication to our country. They’ve served in different wars, faced various challenges, and have diverse experiences. Yet, they all share a common bond: a commitment to protect our nation and its values.

Why We Celebrate:

While many of us enjoy a day off from school or work, it’s essential to remember the real reason behind Veterans Day. It’s a day to show our gratitude to those who protected our freedoms. Schools often hold special assemblies, communities organize parades, and families visit memorials. These acts of remembrance ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten.

The Global Perspective:

Veterans Day is not just an American tradition. Many countries have similar days to honor their military veterans. Whether it’s Remembrance Day in Canada and the UK or Armistice Day in France, the sentiment is the same: to honor those who have served.

Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for our country. It’s a day to reflect, honor, and express our gratitude. As we observe Veterans Day, let’s take a moment to truly understand its significance and remember the heroes who have shaped our nation’s history.

5. The Historical Significance of Veterans Day

Every November 11th, the United States pauses to honor its military veterans. Veterans Day, a federal holiday, is a time of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. But what historical events led to the establishment of this significant day?

World War I and Armistice Day:

The roots of Veterans Day can be traced back to the end of World War I. Known as “The Great War,” it was a conflict of unprecedented scale and devastation. When the guns finally fell silent on November 11, 1918, the world hoped it would be the “ war to end all wars. ” This day, known as Armistice Day, was initially dedicated to the brave souls who fought in World War I.

Evolving Recognition:

However, as the 20th century progressed, the U.S. found itself engaged in other major conflicts, including World War II and the Korean War. Recognizing the need to honor all veterans, not just those from World War I, Congress amended the commemoration in 1954. Hence, Armistice Day became Veterans Day.

A Day of Gratitude and Education:

Today, Veterans Day serves multiple purposes. It’s a day for citizens to express their gratitude to those who served. Schools often hold special programs, ensuring younger generations understand the sacrifices made by military personnel throughout history. These educational initiatives ensure that the stories of veterans are passed down, preserving their legacy.

Veterans Day is a testament to the nation’s deep respect for those who don the uniform. As we observe this day, it’s essential to delve into its historical roots, ensuring that its true significance is never forgotten.

You might also like: Veterans Day Poems for School Kids

6. Veterans Day: Stories of Valor and Sacrifice

Veterans Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a tapestry of stories, each thread representing a veteran’s unique experience. These narratives provide a deeper understanding of the day’s essence and the sacrifices made by our military personnel.

Tales from Different Eras:

Each war or conflict has its unique backdrop, challenges, and moments of valor. A World War II veteran might recount the challenges of the D-Day landings, while a Vietnam War veteran could share tales of monsoon rains and dense jungles. These firsthand accounts provide invaluable insights into the realities of war, far beyond what textbooks convey.

The Emotional Battlefield:

Beyond the physical challenges of combat, veterans often grapple with emotional and psychological battles. Feelings of loss, memories of comrades, and the traumas of war can leave lasting scars. By sharing these experiences, veterans not only find catharsis but also educate others about the multifaceted challenges faced by military personnel.

Preserving Their Legacy:

In today’s digital age, there’s a golden opportunity to document and share veterans’ stories. Oral history projects, documentaries, and memoirs can immortalize their experiences, ensuring they resonate with future generations.

As we commemorate Veterans Day, it’s crucial to listen to and reflect upon the myriad stories of our veterans. Their narratives, rich with lessons of courage, resilience, and sacrifice, offer a profound understanding of the day’s significance.

7. The Evolving Observance of Veterans Day

Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11th, has witnessed an evolution in its observance and significance. From its origins post-World War I to its contemporary relevance, it mirrors America’s changing relationship with its military and veterans.

Historical Beginnings:

Following World War I, the U.S. sought to honor the brave souls who fought in the conflict. Originally termed Armistice Day, November 11th marked the cessation of hostilities in the “war to end all wars.” However, as the nation engaged in subsequent conflicts, there was a growing realization that all veterans deserved recognition.

Modern-Day Observances:

Today, Veterans Day is marked by a plethora of events. Parades, memorial services, and school programs are commonplace. The emphasis has shifted from merely honoring veterans to educating the public about their sacrifices and experiences. This educational aspect ensures that younger generations appreciate the freedoms they enjoy, thanks to the sacrifices of those who served.

A Day for Reflection and Gratitude:

Beyond the ceremonies and events, Veterans Day is a time for introspection. It’s an opportunity for individuals to reflect on the values of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism. It’s also a day to express gratitude, whether by attending a parade, visiting a war memorial, or simply thanking a veteran.

The observance of Veterans Day has evolved, but its core essence remains unchanged. It’s a day to honor, remember, and express gratitude to the countless individuals who’ve donned the uniform, serving the nation with unwavering dedication.

Essays on Veterans Day for Grade 9-10

8. The Echoes of Valor on Veterans Day

Every year, as autumn leaves paint the landscape in hues of gold and crimson, the nation comes together on November 11th to honor its veterans. Veterans Day, a solemn occasion, is a tribute to the brave men and women who’ve donned the uniform, dedicating a part of their lives to serve the country. Their stories, woven into the fabric of American history, are tales of valor, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to freedom.

The origins of Veterans Day trace back to the aftermath of World War I, a conflict that left deep scars on the global psyche. When the armistice was signed on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the world hoped for lasting peace. The day, initially commemorated as Armistice Day, was a tribute to the soldiers of “ The Great War .” However, as the years rolled on and America found itself embroiled in subsequent conflicts, the day evolved to honor all veterans.

Today, Veterans Day is more than just a mark on the calendar. It’s a day of reflection, gratitude, and education. Across the nation, ceremonies are held, flags are raised, and veterans share their stories with younger generations. These narratives, spanning different wars and eras, offer invaluable lessons about the cost of freedom and the indomitable human spirit.

As we observe Veterans Day, it’s essential to remember that every veteran, whether they served in the trenches of World War I, the jungles of Vietnam, or the deserts of the Middle East, has contributed to the tapestry of American history. Their sacrifices, both big and small, have shaped the nation and safeguarded its ideals.

Concluding this, Veterans Day is a poignant reminder of the price of freedom. It’s a day to express our gratitude, to listen to the echoes of history, and to ensure that the stories of our veterans are never forgotten.

9. The Legacy of Service on Veterans Day

America, a nation built on ideals of freedom and democracy, owes a profound debt to its veterans. Every Veterans Day, we are reminded of this debt and the legacy of service that countless individuals have left behind. From the Revolutionary War to modern conflicts, veterans have played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s destiny.

The significance of Veterans Day lies not just in honoring the past but also in understanding its relevance to the present and future. In a rapidly changing world, the values of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism remain constant, guiding the nation through challenges and uncertainties.

Veterans, with their diverse experiences, also serve as bridges between different generations. Their stories, filled with lessons of courage, resilience, and hope, resonate with young and old alike. These narratives offer insights into the complexities of war, the challenges of peace, and the enduring human spirit.

Furthermore, Veterans Day serves as a call to action. It’s a reminder for citizens to be informed, to understand the sacrifices made for their freedoms, and to be active participants in the democratic process. The day underscores the idea that freedom, though hard-won, must be continually safeguarded.

In essence, Veterans Day is a celebration of the American spirit. It’s a day to honor the legacy of service, to reflect on the nation’s history, and to look forward with hope and determination.

10. Veterans Day: A Collage of Stories and Sacrifices

Behind the observance of Veterans Day lies a rich collage of stories, each piece representing a life dedicated to service. These stories, spanning centuries, are testaments to the sacrifices made by individuals in the pursuit of a greater good.

Every veteran has a unique story to tell. Some speak of battles fought in distant lands, while others recount the challenges of training and preparation. Yet, amidst this diversity, there’s a common thread of commitment, bravery, and a deep love for the country.

The significance of these narratives goes beyond mere historical accounts. They serve as reminders of the human cost of freedom. Each story, whether it’s of a World War II pilot, a nurse from the Korean War, or a foot soldier in Afghanistan, offers a glimpse into the realities of military life and the challenges faced by those in service.

As the nation commemorates Veterans Day, it’s essential to delve deeper into these narratives. By understanding the individual stories, we gain a broader perspective on the collective sacrifices made by generations of veterans. These tales, filled with moments of valor, camaraderie, and resilience, enrich our understanding of the day and its significance.

Further Reading:

• Veterans Day Poems
• Thank you Veterans Quotes

No related posts.

© 2022 UpnNext.com - All Rights Reserved

Share on Mastodon

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Government

Essay Samples on Veterans

Why do we celebrate veterans day: honoring those who serve.

Why do we celebrate Veterans Day? Veterans Day, observed on November 11th each year, is a significant holiday in the United States that honors the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces. This day holds deep meaning and serves as a...

My Pledge to Our Veterans: Honoring Sacrifice and Service

Our veterans have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation, defending our freedoms, and upholding the values we hold dear. As a citizen, I am deeply grateful for their sacrifices and unwavering commitment. This essay serves as a reflection of my pledge to our veterans,...

The Issue Of Veteran Homelessness

Every day, men and women join the U.S. military forces to fight for our freedom and the availability to live our lives in the manner that we do. But, what happens when they retire from the military and return back to civilian life? The assumption...

• Homelessness

Homelessness In California: Homeless Veterans

California has always had a problem with homelessness, during the 1980’s the number of homeless spiked throughout the United States with the estimated amount being over 200,000. Since then the number of homeless people has increased with California being the one with the largest amount...

Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo: The Negative Consequences of War

In Dalton Trumbo’s Johnny Got His Gun, the casualties of World War One are expressed through the eyes of the main character, Joe Bonham. Joe loses his arms, legs, eyes, nose, mouth, and ears after a bomb drops on him while fighting in a war...

Stressed out with your paper?

Consider using writing assistance:

• 100% unique papers
• 3 hrs deadline option

The Nature of Trench Warfare and Its Different Forms

Trench Warfare – a phrase of perhaps the most notable feature of The Great War – has been etched on our consciousness through various accounts and photographs. At its core, trench warfare was seen as merely a short-term expedient, as within all previous conflicts “normality”...

• Trench Warfare

Taxi Driver Movie Analysis: 1970's America Through the Eyes of a Broken Vietnam Veteran

In Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, Robert De Niro plays Travis Bickle, a mentally disturbed Vietnam Veteran likely suffering from PTSD who spend his nights patrolling the crime ridden streets of a decaying New York City in his yellow cab. The film is commonly read as...

• Taxi Driver

Account of Courage of the Elderly Veterans

The word courage can be defined in many ways by many people. To some it means fearless or brave. How I define courage is someone who will risk their life for the people they love. To take action in a heartbeat without even thinking about...

The Aftermath and Care for Veterans in The Things They Carried 

Tim O'Brein's The Things They Carried, is an assortment of short stories that retell the experiences of the men of the Vietnam War's Alpha Company. O'Brien's understanding as an infantryman from 1968 to 1970 has given him an insiders viewpoint to the war, and it...

• The Things They Carried
• Tim O'Brien

Repaying the Vietnam War Veterans for Their Bravery

A relative who served in the Vietnam War informed me, “when [his brothers] got out of the service, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress) wasn’t even recognized at that time. And my brother had issues, and they locked him up in the institution,” (Hooyman). In Vietnam, PTSD, a...

Growing Homelessness and PTSD Among the Veteran Population

The United States has an ongoing homelessness problem that seems to be unfixable. Thousands of people without homes, jobs, and adequate health care. Among them is a percentage of homeless veterans who have fought for our freedoms and have sacrificed their lives for our country....

• Mental Illness

Mistreatment and Negligence of Hmong and American Veterans

On their fiftieth anniversary, my grandmother clutched onto my grandfather’s arm tightly, giving him a sad, teary-eyed smile as memories of the past five decades flashed before her eyes, “Peb kam tsim nyob ntev” (Let’s live for a long time). My grandfather, Cha S. Yang,...

• Grandfather

The Issue of Poverty Among Aging Veterans

Becoming a veteran means having to put your life on the line for your country. It comes with sacrifice, fear, and unfortunately sometimes mental illness. Many of the veterans returning home are faced with the harsh reality of unemployment due to many factors, including mental...

Vietnam War and Its Impact on Veterans

Vietnam fought for independence and won in 1954. The country then split into North Vietnam and South Vietnam and war broke out. The Vietnam War happened in November of 1955, and lasted a total of twenty years, ending in April of 1975. North Vietnam was...

• Vietnam War

The Vatour A Worldwide Government Scientific Research Institute

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cabinet-level department of the U. S. federal government that provides a service and benefit system with a primary focus on supporting and caring for all U. S. veterans (Top 25, 2018). The VA ranks in at #17...

• Role of Government

Analysis Of A Therapeutic Approach For Treating A Veteran

Introduction The basis of this paper is to examine five episodes of tape reviews and analyze a therapeutic approach for treating a veteran coming back from Iraq 10 months ago, in which he appears to be suffering from PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Episode...

Best topics on Veterans

1. Why Do We Celebrate Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Serve

2. My Pledge to Our Veterans: Honoring Sacrifice and Service

3. The Issue Of Veteran Homelessness

4. Homelessness In California: Homeless Veterans

5. Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo: The Negative Consequences of War

6. The Nature of Trench Warfare and Its Different Forms

7. Taxi Driver Movie Analysis: 1970’s America Through the Eyes of a Broken Vietnam Veteran

8. Account of Courage of the Elderly Veterans

9. The Aftermath and Care for Veterans in The Things They Carried 

10. Repaying the Vietnam War Veterans for Their Bravery

11. Growing Homelessness and PTSD Among the Veteran Population

12. Mistreatment and Negligence of Hmong and American Veterans

13. The Issue of Poverty Among Aging Veterans

14. Vietnam War and Its Impact on Veterans

15. The Vatour A Worldwide Government Scientific Research Institute

• Gun Control
• Police Brutality
• Nelson Mandela
• Fire Safety
• Declaration of Independence
• Conspiracy Theory
• Department of Education

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

• Health Paper Topics Topics: 596
• PTSD Essay Topics Topics: 103
• Healthcare Paper Topics Topics: 623
• Disorders Essay Topics Topics: 554
• Mental Health Research Topics Topics: 303
• Human Papillomavirus Topics Topics: 60
• Dorothea Orem’s Theory Research Topics Topics: 85
• Asthma Topics Topics: 155
• Heart Attack Topics Topics: 54
• Thrombosis Paper Topics Topics: 48
• Myocardial Infarction Research Topics Topics: 52
• Sepsis Essay Topics Topics: 52
• Hepatitis Essay Topics Topics: 57
• Communicable Disease Research Topics Topics: 58
• Osteoporosis Paper Topics Topics: 56

151 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas

🏆 best veterans essay topics, 🔎 easy veterans research paper topics, 👍 good research topics about veterans & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting veterans research titles, 💡 great ideas of essay on veterans, 📌 simple veterans essay ideas, ⭐ excellent military persuasive essay topics.

• The Paralyzed Veterans of America Case Study
• Secrets to Living a Long Life: Narrated by 109 Years Old Veteran
• The Veteran Homelessness Issue Analysis
• American Veteran Homelessness & Advocacy Practice
• Veterans: Sacrifice and Struggle
• The Importance of Career Counseling for Veterans
• The Problems of Substance Abuse in Homeless Veterans
• Statue of Liberty and Vietnam Veterans Memorial The Statue of Liberty and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial have many differences but are not devoid of common messages that underline their significance.
• The Opioid Crisis in Veterans: The Delphi Method The Delphi method was used to generate a consensus on the best treatment measures for patients with opioid dependence.
• Mental Health Problems Among Veterans Some service members are at a high risk of mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders.
• Social Service Barriers Among Homeless Veterans The goal is to gather information about the conditions under which homeless veterans have to live and define the main problems the chosen group of people faces regularly.
• The Effect of Extra-Curricular Activities on the Academic Performance of Veteran Students The current research utilizes a qualitative study to test if the participation in extra-curricular activities has a positive effect on the academic performance of veteran students.
• Veterans Court Designing: Three Crucial Stages The work discusses the types of treatment you to mandate, addressing problems with compliance, and other support you needed when designing Veterans court.
• Veterans Affairs Healthcare System: Marketing Research and Segmentation The main aim of the paper is to provide an analysis of the market with the Potential patients of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Military Veterans Both in the military and civilian life, people encounter traumatic occurrences that challenge their perception of the world or themselves.
• Healthcare Disparities Among the LGBTQ+ (Queer) Veterans The aim is to conduct quantitative research to determine the perception of LGBTQ+ veterans in regard to their experiences with health services.
• Northport Department of Veteran Affairs There are many challenges that the Northport Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) faces. One challenge is that despite the numerous efforts.
• Veterans’ Transition From the Military to Civilian Life This paper examines the main problems encountered by veterans during the transition from the military to civilian life, for example, social stigmas and drug abuse.
• Gaps in Equity Related to Mental Health Access for Veterans This paper has identified a lack of awareness and inadequate resources as the main barriers to veterans’ health services.
• The Experience of Substance Abuse in Homeless Veterans The problem of homelessness often affects the most vulnerable segments of society, one of them being veterans. This particular group also experiences significant issues.
• Health Care Policy for Veterans With Mental Illness The paper discusses The National Research Action Plan as the current policy designed in 2013 to improve the health services for veterans, service members, and their families.
• Veterans After the Vietnam War The Vietnam War was one of the most important events in the 20th century, which made a considerable impact on the United States and its society.
• The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Controversy A deep symbolic image for some and a questionable faceless wall for others – the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has become controversial since the layout was accepted.
• Veterans Sacrificed Their Health for Us: Feature Release You wake up every morning and enjoy peaceful skies over your head. However, you do not think of those who provide this peace to you and your family.
• American Homeless Veterans’ Needs: An Op-Ed Of every 10,000 American veterans, 21 experienced homelessness at the beginning of 2020. This number seems small to common citizens, but it is huge to veterans.
• Wounded Veterans Do Not Receive Proper Care: News Release American veterans put their lives on the line to save us from enemies. However, when they return to civilian life, they find the transition difficult.
• Homeless Veterans: Analysis of Cases To deal with the veterans’ mental health, the government, in conjunction with the healthcare system, is giving therapy to veterans to aid in combat PTSD and depression.
• Readjustment Counseling When Working With Veterans Readjustment counseling of veterans may range from simple guidance in employment or education to more complex instances of offering to counsel for those that experienced trauma.
• Civil War Veterans and Crime in America Podcast by Handley-Cousins and Earls explores how American society and its disabled soldiers coped with the perceptions of service, disability, and government responsibility.
• Covid-19 Effects on Treatment-Seeking Veterans The article under analysis is “The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on treatment-seeking veterans in the UK with preexisting mental health difficulties…” by Hendrikx et al.
• Veterans in the Criminal Justice System There are links between military service and criminal behavior. Multiple offenses are not uncommon among veterans, and the lack of further support will have a detrimental effect.
• Military Sexual Trauma: PTSD in Female Veterans The following paper suggests a literature review on the subject of post traumatic stress disorder associated with military sexual trauma in female veterans.
• The Veterans’ Needs Assessment The purpose of the veterans’ needs assessment is to address the concerns of military families regarding the assimilation of their family members into civilian life.
• Veteran Employment: Problems Veterans Face after Returning Home Some veterans may find it difficult to adjust from a highly structured military environment to one where they must independently manage different challenges.
• Prevalence of Combat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Among Veterans The paper argues combative nature of military personnel contributes to the Post-traumatic Stress disorder experienced by officers.
• The Department of Veteran’s Affairs The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a government agency that serves the needs of veterans and their families.
• Cognitive Behavior Theory for Military Veteran Cognitive behavior theory is based on the idea that an individual is able to alter their behavior by interfering with their thought patterns.
• Pot for Pain: Medical Marijuana for Veterans This paper argues the idea of medical marijuana for veterans should be encouraged by the US government and society only in cases where patients are under medical supervision.
• The Main Methods of Conducting a Needs Assessment for Veterans The assigned article is a detailed analysis of the main methods to use in conducting a needs assessment for veterans.
• Organizational Culture and Diversity: United States Army Veteran Rank For me, the most significant cultural identifiers are the United States Army Veteran rank, Texas as the home residence, and marital status.
• Healthcare Marketing Analysis: Veterans Affairs Loma Linda Healthcare System – Diabetes Clinic The focal point of the paper is to evaluate and analyze the marketing strategy of Veterans Affairs (VA) Loma Linda Healthcare System – Diabetic Clinic.
• Effects of Combat on War Veterans In recent years, the long-lasting impacts of military war have become ruinous. In the U.S, cases of suicide in the Army have exceeded the pace of prevention in the general populace.
• Organizational Quality Improvement Plan: Veterans Affairs Hospitals The role of Managed Care for Veterans Affairs is great due to the improvements implemented to manage the resources in this area properly.
• Organizational Quality Improvement Plan for Veterans Affairs with Regard to Managed Care in the Community The Veteran Affairs (VA) health care organization deals with veterans that have been brought to the community hospitals.
• Homeless Veterans Problem Analysis The purpose of this paper is to describe the main causes of this situation, to consider the approaches of different scientists to the problem, and to offer ways to solve it.
• Family Support to a Veteran With Depression Even the strongest soldiers become vulnerable to multiple health risks and behavioral changes, and depression is one of the problems military families face.
• Mental Health Conditions Among Military Veterans The research will analyze whether the incidence of symptoms and their link to individuals’ experiences relate to their military service
• Psychotherapy Treatment for Combat Veterans Suffering From PTSD The symptoms of PTSD based on combat experience include flashbacks, nightmares, tries to suppress the memories, irritability, hyperarousal, sleep disorders, numbing.
• Veteran Pharmaceutical: Cause and Effect Due to the economic crunch being experienced all over America and the whole world at large, there has been a decline in profits for Veteran in the last few months.
• Homeless War Veterans in America The problem of homelessness is increasing in the country. When the financial position of the country worsens, the number of homeless veterans increases.
• Preferential Treatment of Not and Disabled Veterans Right from the beginning of the 21st century, there have been certain growth in movements promoting disability rights including that of disabled veterans.
• Veterans Affairs Healthcare System The strengths of the VA healthcare system are focused on providing high-quality and low cost health care, giving an opportunity for patients to admire the benefits of the service.
• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Combat Veterans The aim of this essay is to review briefly yet, comprehensively the recent advances in assessment and treatment of PTSD.
• Transition Experiences of First-Generation Latino Veterans This research project will investigate the lived experiences of first-generation Latino veterans who decided to stay in the US after military service.
• Veteran Health Administration Policy Analysis This policy analysis will attempt to identify alternatives to the existing veterans’ healthcare policy and evaluate them in terms of making healthcare more accessible.
• Veteran Treatment and Florida’s State Strategies The accessibility of health management services has been an issue for numerous vulnerable groups in Miami, FL.
• Student Veterans’ Experience: Photovoice Methodology Nikhil Tomar’s article discusses an analysis of the lived experience of student veterans that uses photovoice methodology.
• Latino Veterans’ Transition to Civilian Life in the US It is proposed to investigate the dual transitioning of first-generation Latino migrants who are also former US military members.
• Veteran Legal Institute’s History and Challenges The biggest accomplishment of the Veteran Legal Institute is the creation of a systematic, organized, and self-sustaining network for providing services to veterans.
• United States Military Veteran Suicides and Causes Researchers have not agreed on the exact causes of suicide cases in the US military. Initially, it was assumed that deployment was a risk factor for this behavior.
• Student Veterans and Academic Benefits The project reviews the main issues faced by U.S. veterans and shows how the Post-9/11 GI Bill aims to address them by offering financial assistance to student veterans.
• Challenges in Veteran Mental Health Care The population of veterans in the US experiences a variety of difficulties upon returning to non-military life.
• Suicide Among Veterans Issue The increase in suicide rates among veterans frightens and reveals the magnitude of mental challenges experienced by the group.
• Business Plan of Veteran Fitness Center This paper outlines a business proposal for a fitness center in Sharjah for military veterans who do not have health coverage for physical fitness.
• Co-Curricular Activities in Veteran Student Performance This paper discusses the effects of co-curriculum activities on the achievements of student veterans within the Armed Services Arts Partnership Program (ASAP) program.
• The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs This research paper explores the work of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, its regulations, and the system of benefits American veterans could use.
• Exploring and Storming Phase for Veterans with PTSD The paper addresses the peculiarities of the storming stage as applied to the therapeutic group designed for male combat veterans with PTSD.
• Western Oahu Veterans Center: Budgeting Project Western Oahu Veterans Center is a local branch of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a government agency that aims to provide various types of aid to veterans of U.S. military service.
• Veteran Student Performance: Co-Curricular Activities In this memo, the main goal is to choose a non-profit program that can be applied to veteran student performance and propose a program evaluation regarding an appropriate program theory.
• Student Veterans on Campus: Issues and Benefits The present paper will review the problems faced by student veterans and describe the historical background of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that serves to solve some of these problems.
• Military Veterans’ Mental Health Needs The topic of the study concerns the mental health needs of veterans who suffer different types of disorders as the result of their military service.
• Veteran Student Performance and Activities This paper introduces an evaluation design plan to be applied to the Armed Services Arts Partnership program and the analysis of the effects of its co-curricular activities on student veterans.
• War Veterans’ Mental Health as Social Issue This work discusses the current issue on the War Veterans returning home and not receiving proper mental health care due to a lack of professionals serving the Armed Forces.
• Psychotherapy Group of Combat Veterans in Transition The group members are combat veterans with PTSD, and their behavior can be mind-boggling due to the group’s views on mental health and health issues.
• Psychotherapeutic Intervention: Veterans with PTSD This group manual is written for a brief psychotherapeutic intervention developed for combat veterans with PTSD. The paper includes a description of the intervention, its major phases.
• Veterans Administration Department: Organization Problems Today, not many organizations are ready to cooperate with veterans and offer them appropriate working and living conditions.
• Health Policy Action: American Veterans’ Health The US healthcare system is now undergoing certain changes so it can be a perfect time for considerable and timely improvements.
• Health Advocate: Veterans’ Health Problems The number of veterans in the United States is on the rise. These veterans and their families face a wide range of health problems.
• High-Quality and Affordable Care for US Veterans: Challenges and Solutions When it comes to providing high-quality and affordable care for the US veterans, it is crucial to consider all aspects of this multi-faceted issue.
• Veterans’ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: How a Game Can Help? This research paper will analyze how veterans suffering from PTSD stand to benefit from the game Human versus Zombies by using the skills they learned in war.
• Cutting Veterans Benefits: Does GI Joe Need Public Assistance
• Why Corporations Should Not Hire Military Veterans
• Veterans Administration Health Care in Pittsburgh
• Chicago Veterans Attitudes and Characteristics
• How Has the Health of Vietnam Veterans Been Affected by Their Service in Vietnam
• Homeless Veterans Throughout the City of Los Angeles
• Race and Older Age Mortality: Evidence From Union Army Veterans
• Improving Veterans Access for Mental Health Care Using
• The Mirror Therapy Treatment for the Amputee Veterans
• Medical Care and Benefits for Wounded Military Veterans
• The Veterans Affairs Compensation and Pension
• Military Veterans and Neighborhood Racial Integration: Veterans Affairs Mortgage Lending
• How Dogs Can Help Veterans Overcome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder by Chris Collins
• Immigration Reform, and Better Care for Veterans
• Strategic Plan for Veterans at Veterans Affairs Facilities
• Veterans and America’s History and Future
• Removing Barriers for Mental Health Services for Veterans
• After the Glory: The Struggles of Black Civil War Veterans
• Veterans and Depression the Battle to Heal the Wounds of War
• Increasing the Educational Benefits of War Veterans
• Body Mass Index and Health Among Union Army Veterans: 1891-1905
• Establishing the Academic Performance of Veterans in the Us Colleges
• Individual Counseling Services for War Time Veterans
• Homeless American Veterans: The Impact of War on Our Veterans
• Are War Veterans Receiving the Benefits They Deserve
• Improving Veterans Access for Care
• Emerging Social Work Crisis for Veterans and Their Families Term Paper
• Why Colleges Should Help Veterans
• The Veterans Affairs Neuropathy Scale: A Reliable, Remote Polyneuropathy Exam
• Declining Wealth and Work Among Male Veterans in the Health and Retirement Study
• Specialty Courts for Veterans of the US Military
• The Lost Generation: Hardships of WWI Veterans
• Disabilities and Mental Illness of Veterans
• Alcohol Use Among Veterans and the Military
• America’s Military Veterans and Denying Aid
• Remember the Forgotten Military Veterans of World War II
• Injury Careers After Blast Exposure Among Combat Veterans Deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan
• Traumatic Brain Injury and Firearm Use and Risk of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Among Veterans
• The Factors Affecting the Transition of Veterans From War to Civilian Life
• Government Funding for Veterans With Prosthetics Within
• Effective Treatment for Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• The Washington D.C. Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Detonating the Bomb: The Relationship of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Vietnam and Iraq Veterans
• Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans’ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Problems
• Oxytocin Affects Spontaneous Neural Oscillations in Trauma-Exposed War Veterans
• Social Chaos and Confusion of Children of Vietnam War Veterans
• The Controversy and Impact of the Gulf War Syndrome on the Health of the United States Veterans
• Promoting Social and Community Support for Veterans: Engaging the Public in Veterans’ Issues
• The Importance of Military Preparedness in Maintaining National Security
• Improving Mental Health Services for Military Spouses and Family Members
• The Benefits of Service Dogs for Veterans with Disabilities or PTSD
• Addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Military Personnel
• Military Technology: Assessing the Ethical Implications of Advancements in Warfare
• Military Veterans and Employment: Promoting Transition and Job Opportunities
• Addressing Homelessness Among Veterans: Strategies for Prevention and Assistance
• The Role of Military Intervention in Humanitarian Crises
• Expanding Educational Opportunities and Scholarships for Veterans and Their Families
• Pros and Cons of Implementing Compulsory Military Service in the US
• Women in Combat Roles: Examining the Benefits and Challenges

Cite this post

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2021, September 9). 151 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/veterans-essay-topics/

"151 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas." StudyCorgi , 9 Sept. 2021, studycorgi.com/ideas/veterans-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . (2021) '151 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas'. 9 September.

1. StudyCorgi . "151 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/veterans-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "151 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/veterans-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "151 Veterans Essay Topics & Military Essay Ideas." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/veterans-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Veterans were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 25, 2024 .

Stories From the Vietnam War Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

What do stories related by soldiers who fought in Vietnam tell you about the experiences of soldiers in Vietnam? How was this war different from World War II?

The Vietnam War turned out to be one of the most tragic experiences of the twentieth century. Not only did it bring about death and sorrow inherent in any war, but it also led to dramatic social consequences and resulted in radical divisions among American families, communities, and the whole nation (Davidson et al., 2008).

Opinions split as for the essence and necessity for the war, and the nation’s spirits dropped as thousands of American soldiers were perishing in a foreign land for no obvious reason. In the dissonance of opinions on the Vietnam War, it appears reasonable to turn to the first-hand experiences of the veterans and to draw real-life information from their stories.

When reviewing the Vietnam soldiers stories published on The Vietnam Experience (2008) and Vietnam Stories Regarding War (2010) websites, one gets the general impression of depression and disappointment that characterize the veterans. Most of them confess that the Vietnam War has left an indelible imprint on their outlook and character, with some people getting stronger, others being weakened and destroyed for decades onwards ( Vietnam Stories Regarding War , 2010).

Joe Galloway confesses that for many of them the Vietnam War was “everything”, a defining moment in life that worked later on as a prism through which they judged the world ( Vietnam Stories Regarding War , 2010). Roland Rocheleau’s memories reveal the hypocrisy and the lack of professionalism in the army officials who conducted show visits and prohibited taking pictures of real-life Vietnam ( Vietnam Stories Regarding War , 2010).

The same indignation at the mendacity of motives and tendency for disinformation among the official press is seen in Edward Ewing’s sketch: a journalists jumps into the safety of the helicopter out of turn and intends to simply brag his own deeds instead of objectively recording the army’s courage; a lieutenant colonel is awarded a medal although he was never present at the battlefield ( The Vietnam Experience , 2008).

Such injustice could not be overlooked by the soldiers who fought to their last breath for ideals of democracy.

The abovementioned attitude of emotional rejection constitutes the core difference between the Vietnam War and the World War II. As contrasted to American fight against fascism for the greater good of the whole planet during the Second World War, the war in Vietnam appears a violent and unwelcome intrusion into a totally foreign territory which neither asked for help from outside nor needed it.

The disturbed American society experienced economic and spiritual downturn, as the war overseas echoed in the domestic unrest (Davidson et al., 2008). The most dramatic part was that those soldiers who survived the terrors and injustice of war on the battle field returned home only to be met with the same injustice there. Contrary to the elevated moods that ruled the world after the victory over fascism, no triumphant reception of war veterans was held after the Vietnam War.

According to the testaments of ex-soldiers, they faced distrust and ignorance from the civilians only for doing what they were told to ( Vietnam Stories Regarding War , 2010). This cold and blaming attitude led to a huge social disaster of the Vietnam veterans who could never resume normal peaceful life again. In addition to the ghosts of the war horrors, they were haunted by public ostracism and condemnation which made their lives miserable and senseless.

Davidson, J., DeLay, B., Heyrman, C., Lytle, M. & Stoff, M. (2008). Nation of Nations . Boston: McGraw-Hill.

The Vietnam Experience . (2008). Web.

Vietnam Stories Regarding War . (2010). Web.

• Concepts of the Vietnam War
• Views on Vietnamese War in the Revisionism School
• Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Lies in Modern Society
• The Film "We Were Soldiers"
• "Does It Matter?" by Siegfried Sassoon
• The Just War Theory
• The Role of the US in the Gulf War
• Protests and Music of the Vietnam War
• Role of Prejudice in Wars in Iraq
• The Vietnam War Outcomes
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2018, June 28). Stories From the Vietnam War. https://ivypanda.com/essays/stories-from-vietnam/

"Stories From the Vietnam War." IvyPanda , 28 June 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/stories-from-vietnam/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'Stories From the Vietnam War'. 28 June.

IvyPanda . 2018. "Stories From the Vietnam War." June 28, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/stories-from-vietnam/.

1. IvyPanda . "Stories From the Vietnam War." June 28, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/stories-from-vietnam/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Stories From the Vietnam War." June 28, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/stories-from-vietnam/.

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

• Basic site functions
• Ensuring secure, safe transactions
• Secure account login
• Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
• Remembering privacy and security settings
• Analyzing site traffic and usage
• Personalized search, content, and recommendations
• Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

• Remembering general and regional preferences
• Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy .

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .

Community Events

Virginia war memorial seeks entries for 2024 veterans day student essay contest.

The Virginia War Memorial in Richmond is seeking entries for its Virginia War Memorial 2024 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest . The annual competition is open to all Virginia middle and high school age public, private, and homeschooled students. One winner will be selected from among all middle school entries (grades 6-8) and one from high school entries (grades 9-12).

The essay topic for the 2024 competition is “ A Virginian Who Served in The Military who Inspires Me.” Students may consider a member of their family, of their community, or any Virginian who served in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, anywhere in the world, from World War II to present day as their subject.

The two students who write the winning essays will each receive a prize package courtesy of McDonald’s Restaurants of Richmond and Hampton Roads and the nonprofit Virginia War Memorial Foundation. The student winners will also be invited to come to Richmond to read aloud their essays and participate in the Veterans Day Ceremony at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond on Monday, November 11, 2024.

Essays should be 500-750 words in length and utilize interviews and primary sources whenever possible.  Students are encouraged to contact Sylvia Marshall, Virginia War Memorial Archivist ( [email protected] ) for additional resources regarding Virginia military veterans if they wish. Entries will be judged on clarity of thought, adherence to the contest theme and guidelines, proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation.  Detailed information regarding rules, guidelines and how to enter are available online .

All entries must be submitted to the Virginia War Memorial website by 11:59 p.m., Sunday, October 20, 2024.   For additional information or questions, please contact Elizabeth Oglesby, the Memorial’s Education Outreach & Programs Manager, at [email protected] or by calling 804-786-9700.

About the Virginia War Memorial

The mission of the Virginia War Memorial is to Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth, and Inspire Patriotism in All.   Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and the Global War on Terrorism.  The Virginia War Memorial is and will always be the Commonwealth’s tribute to those who served and most especially, to those who died defending our freedoms.

The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who have served in our military.  It is located at 621 South Belvidere Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220 and is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m.  Admission is free, except for select events.  For more information, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org .

About the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS)

The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) is a state government agency with more than 50 locations across the Commonwealth of Virginia.  DVS traces its history to 1928 and the establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans.  Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; provides veterans and family members with linkages to services including behavioral health, housing, employment, education, and other programs. The agency operates long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing care, dementia/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; and provides an honored final resting place for veterans and their families at three state veterans cemeteries. It operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s tribute to Virginia’s men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov .

Valleyhaven Furniture Bank Hosts Kickoff Fundraiser on October 5th

Robbie limon dazzles at west oaks weekend live music concert series.

You may like

Virginia War Memorial and Navy League to Host 82nd Commonwealth’s Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Ceremony

Virginia War Memorial Announces Winners of 2023 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest

Virginia War Memorial to Host Commonwealth’s Observance of 40th Anniversary of Bombing of Beirut Marine Barracks

Virginia War Memorial to Mark 22nd Anniversary of 9/11 with Patriot Day Ceremony

Virginia War Memorial Pursues Families of Marines Lost in 1983 Beirut Bombing

Virginia Department of Veterans Services to host Memorial Day ceremonies at Virginia War Memorial and state veterans cemeteries on May 29

Virginia War Memorial opening major new exhibit honoring Virginia‘s Vietnam War veterans

Virginia War Memorial seeks military veterans to interview for film about October 1983 events in Beirut and Grenada

Virginia War Memorial announces winners of 2022 Veterans Day Student Essay Contest

Festival of Leaves: A Weekend of Community and Fun

In just a few weeks, the annual Festival of Leaves will fill the streets of Front Royal with music, food, and family-friendly entertainment. Celebrating its 52nd year, the festival kicks off on Friday, October 11, at 7 p.m. and runs through Saturday, October 12. Over the years, this festival has become a beloved community event, with locals and visitors alike coming together to enjoy a weekend filled with exciting activities.

The festival begins with Dancing Downtown on Friday night. This revived tradition from years past has been a major hit, drawing crowds eager to dance under the stars. The popular band Sold Out , a festival favorite, will provide the tunes from 7 to 10 p.m. Expect a lively atmosphere with food vendors, beverages, and a $5 cover charge to support the event. It’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend.

Saturday promises a full day of excitement, beginning bright and early. The streets will be lined with more than 186 vendor s offering everything from local crafts to delicious food. Sherry’s Crab Cakes, salty lobster rolls, empanadas, and barbeque are just a few of the culinary highlights. For families, there will be a kids’ area packed with activities, including bouncy houses, a Boy Scout archery setup, and more. Entertainment for children will be hosted near the Heritage Society on Crescent Street, adding a historical twist to the fun.

Music will fill the air all day on Saturday, with bands performing on multiple stages. The main stage at the Gazebo will feature a range of talent, starting with the Yesterday Swing Band at 10 a.m. and continuing with Another Fine Mess , The Sidemen , and Off The Cuff throughout the day. Street performers like stilt walkers, hula hoopers, and buskers will also entertain the crowds, creating a lively festival atmosphere up and down Main Street.

For classic car enthusiasts, this year’s festival includes a car show at the other end of Main Street, adding another layer of fun for attendees. Whether you’re there to admire the vintage rides or just take in the festival vibe, there will be plenty to enjoy.

Saturday’s schedule isn’t just about music and food. The Boy Scouts will host an encampment, adding an element of adventure and hands-on learning for kids. A wide variety of arts and crafts vendors, including woodcrafters, potters, and local artisans selling jams, jewelry, and quilts, will ensure there’s something for everyone.

The festival also offers a great opportunity to give back. Volunteers are the backbone of the event, and organizers are still looking for people to help out. Volunteers are only asked to work two-hour shifts, and in return, they’ll receive a festival t-shirt and a chance to be part of one of the town’s most cherished traditions. A volunteer meeting will take place on Wednesday, October 2nd, at 5:30 p.m. at the Visitor Center, where you can sign up and get more details.

One of the key features of the Festival of Leaves is its strong connection to the community. Many vendors and performers are from the local area, and the festival provides a chance to showcase their talents and products. Several businesses on Main Street will also participate by setting up outside their doors and offering specials.

As always, the festival is a rain-or-shine event. Even if the weather turns cloudy, locals know to bring their umbrellas and enjoy the festivities regardless. With so much to see and do, it’s well worth braving a little drizzle.

Parking can be tricky with so many expected visitors, but the festival organizers have arranged with local businesses and public areas to ensure enough space for everyone. Attendees are encouraged to park a short walk away and enjoy the stroll into town.

The Festival of Leaves is a celebration of Front Royal’s heritage and a reminder of the town’s close-knit community spirit. It’s not just for out-of-towners—locals are the heart and soul of the festival, and the organizers make sure there’s something for everyone. From apple butter-making demonstrations at the Heritage Society to the diverse selection of vendors, the festival truly offers a little bit of everything.

So mark your calendars for October 11th and 12th and come out to support this amazing event. Whether dancing in the streets on Friday night or sampling some of the area’s best food on Saturday, the Festival of Leaves is a must-attend event for all ages.

Warren Coalition Kicks Off 30th Anniversary Campaign During Celebrate Kids Day

Warren Coalition is celebrating 30 years of service to the Warren County community this year, and they are celebrating in an ambitious way: holding a 30-day fundraising campaign in which they hope to raise $30,000!

After much discussion earlier this year, the Coalition team decided to kick off the campaign on September 29th during their biggest event of the year, Celebrate Kids Day, and conclude it on October 28th during Red Ribbon Week, which is observed nationally October 23-31.

Celebrate Kids Day (CKD) takes place 1 pm to 4 pm on Sunday, September 29th, at the Health & Human Services Complex at 465 W 15th Street. On the side of the festivities, near 15th Street but still within the Health & Human Services parking lot, the Coalition staff and board will host a “30th Anniversary Celebration Station” with a balloon arch…and cookies! All CKD participants and the public in general are invited to stop by, make a gift of any size towards the Coalition’s 30th anniversary, ring the gong in celebration, enjoy a free cookie (while supplies last), and take a photo to share on social media.

Warren County Community Health Coalition, D.B.A. as Warren Coalition, is a nonprofit agency established in 1994 to help fill the gaps in health care and substance misuse awareness to the community. The Coalition began under the guidance of Warren Memorial Hospital as an outreach project for the “Miles of Smiles” program, providing free dental care to children. As the needs of the community have changed, so has the focus of the organization. Warren Coalition was incorporated in 2001 with just a few employees. Today, the organization continues to bring together partners from across the community to address the most pressing issues facing the local community.

The Coalition supports all Warren County residents from birth forward. It conducts drug and education classes. It is the local affiliate organization for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. It provides support for children who have experienced trauma or who have been caught with drugs. The Coalition provides educational promotions and programs about drugs and building resilience, and it runs the men’s recovery house (and will soon open a woman’s recovery house) in Front Royal. The staff teaches classes in RSW Jail. The Coalition also provides funding for built environments such as the splash pad, basketball courts, swing sets, and pickleball courts. Last but not least, the nonprofit also runs various community events, including Celebrate Kids Day, an event that draws over 200 children each year.

The Coalition is thankful to the Early Sponsors of the 30th Anniversary 30 for 30 campaign: “Difference Maker” Valley Health Warren Memorial Hospital; “Superstars” State Farm Insurance (Ellen Aders and Bill Powers), Marlow Motors, and American Woodmark Foundation; and “Influencers” Jean’s Jewelers, Skyline Insurance, and Lightbulb Marketing. Several individuals have also contributed to the campaign prior to the official kickoff this Sunday.

For more information about Celebrate Kids Day, visit warrencoalition.org/celebrate-kids-day  or email [email protected] . For more information about the Coalition’s 30 years of service to Warren County, visit warrencoalition.org/30years .

Fall is Sweet in Highland County, Virginia at the 2024 Hands & Harvest Festival

From farms to a fire tower, visitors can experience the sights and tastes of the season while viewing the beautiful countryside of fall foliage.  On the self-guided Harvest Trail, the public is encouraged to take part in traditional fall staples like cider pressing, making apple butter, or picking pumpkins at local farms and maple sugar camps, or they can try something different like taking a tour of a mini equine sanctuary or viewing the process of creating colorful barn quilts.  Highland County is home to Virginia’s first Barn Quilt Trail, and the updated brochure now includes 80 barn quilts to discover while traveling.

Community activities include an exciting 5K Fall Color Run, Valley AeroSpace Team Rocket Launches, the restored Sounding Knob Fire Tower, Highland County Public Library Used Book Sale, 25 th Annual Sweater Sale from Little Big Dog Rescue, historic Monterey walking tours starting from the Highland Inn, and more.  Newer attractions like the Charles Pinckney Jones House Museum, the working cattle farm of Hazy Hollow Farm, the local art gallery of Art on Main at the 3 rd Space, and gemstone mining at the Rock Shop at Heart and Soul Massage School add to the opportunities to create lasting memories.

Free entertainment in Monterey is available for the entire family!  Kick off your weekend on Friday afternoon with acoustic music starting at 3 pm from Michael Bedwell while you shop with vendors at the Highland County Courthouse Lawn.  On Saturday starting at 11 am, children can take a ride on Andy’s Bug Train that is sure to bring smiles.  The Highland County Arts Council and sponsorships from local churches present Larnell Starkey and the Spiritual Seven at The Highland Center on Saturday starting at 4 pm.  This talented group of Gospel singers known by many as the “Gospel Temptations” have been entertaining audiences for over 53 years.  Follow that up with a Square Dance Workshop and Dance from experienced local callers Ellen and Eugene Ratcliffe at The Highland Center from 7 – 9 pm.  On Sunday afternoon starting at 1 pm, join in the excitement of an old-fashioned Street Dance on Spruce Street with one of Virginia’s oldest clogging groups, the Little Switzerland Cloggers, as well as square dance callers Ellen and Eugene Ratcliffe for a rollicking performance and interactive fun.

Get an early start on holiday shopping at the Arts & Crafts Vendor Market located at the courthouse lawn featuring talented local and regional artisans.  Complete your shopping needs by visiting an old general store or unique venue nestled among the countryside like Sugar Tree Country Store, Blue Grass Mercantile, Ginseng Mountain Farm & Store, The Church at the Old Oak, or the Highland Roots Market.

Bring your appetite, because there will be abundant food options available around the county with seasonal offerings.  The Friday Highland Farmers’ Market, Puff’s BBQ, and Shadowlands Farm will be open on the courthouse lawn.  Also in Monterey, the Bolar Ruritan Club will be serving Brunswick Stew, and the Highland County Girl Scouts will be selling baked potatoes and chili.  Fall-themed menus at local restaurants are sure to please.  Whether you visit traditional staples like High’s Restaurant and Hull’s Hideaway Restaurant & Tavern or newer establishments like Claire’s Cakes & Café or The Curly Maple, your tastebuds will thank you!  Plus, Big Fish Cider, Co. will be open with their award-winning craft ciders in Monterey.

Many adventures await with a visit to Highland County, Virginia.  The full schedule, details, and addresses of all the festival happenings can be found at www.highlandcounty.org/hands-harvest-festival .  Maps with daily schedules will be available at the Highland County Courthouse Lawn in Monterey, the Highland County Visitor Center at 27 W. Main Street in Monterey, and local stores throughout the county during the event.

The Hands & Harvest Festival is brought to you by the Highland County Chamber of Commerce.  The top sponsor of the 2024 festival is Bath Community Hospital.

The Highland County Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) membership nonprofit organization with a mission to lift up local businesses and entrepreneurs, promote Highland County, and champion economic prosperity and quality of life.  For more information, please visit www.highlandcounty.org .

Valleyhaven Furniture Bank is thrilled to announce its official kickoff fundraising event, set to take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Horton’s Nursery in Winchester, Virginia. The event is free and open to the public, and all community members who wish to support this vital new organization are invited.

Since June 2023, Valleyhaven Furniture Bank has been quietly impacting the Northern Shenandoah Valley by providing essential furniture and household items to families and individuals in need. The bank serves those transitioning out of homelessness, domestic violence, or other hardships, helping them turn houses into homes and rebuild their lives with dignity. As demand grows, Valleyhaven is seeking support to expand its services and help even more families.

The evening will be a celebration of community spirit and resilience. Guests will enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and live music and have the opportunity to hear firsthand the inspiring stories of the families that Valleyhaven has supported. There will also be a chance to connect with others passionate about making a difference, learn more about the organization’s mission, and explore opportunities to get involved, including sponsorship levels available for all budgets.

The fundraiser aims to boost Valleyhaven’s capacity to meet the community’s growing needs. Funds raised will help expand storage space, hire staff, and increase the organization’s ability to reach more families in crisis. Carolyn Thalman, Board Chair of Valleyhaven, said, “Our mission is simple: to furnish homes for people overcoming adversity. But this isn’t just about providing furniture; it’s about restoring hope, offering comfort, and creating a haven for those who need it most.”

Valleyhaven invites attendees to RSVP by October 1st by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or visiting their website at valleyhavenfurniturebank.org . Even if you can’t attend, donations are welcome through the website. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps Valleyhaven grow and continue serving those in need.

The evening promises to be more than just a fundraiser; it will be a chance for the community to come together and play a part in building a brighter future for neighbors facing tough times. With your help, Valleyhaven Furniture Bank can expand its services and continue to provide stability and hope to individuals and families across the region.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Location: Horton’s Nursery, 2731 Front Royal Pike, Winchester, VA 22602
• RSVP: valleyhavenfurniturebank.org by October 1st

Join Valleyhaven Furniture Bank as they celebrate their achievements and look forward to an even more impactful future. With your support, they can continue to help those in need turn empty spaces into homes filled with hope and possibility.

The Robbie Limon Band (comprising Robbie, Paul Moschetto, Jamie Leonard, and Chuck Peterson) specializes in professionally performing the most memorable rock recordings of the 1970 – 90s.

600 people jammed into the West Oaks Farm Market on Middle Road in Winchester on Friday evening (September 20), and the great roofed pavilion overlooking the covered stage was filled along with the entire picnic area. The rustic market venue situated on a 200-acre farm offered panoramic views of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley apple orchards, rolling hills and fields.

The Friday evening crowd filled the great roofed pavilion overlooking the covered stage along with the entire picnic grounds.

Playing all our classic favorites, the Limon Band engaged in a three-hour musical performance which rekindled the audience’s memories to that specific time and situation when they joyfully first heard the unforgettable songs. Limon consistently receives comments that the songs are precisely what the listener recalled from the original recordings.

Limon is a versatile singer-songwriter and entertainer with a knack for enthralling audiences with an uncanny ability to imitate the vocal styles of iconic singers. Limon presents the music with the command of an accomplished stage actor. He draws the audience into his performance with practiced skill and charm. The already energized crowd was thoroughly captivated by Robbie and his bands nostalgic trip down memory lane while losing themselves in the music.

Robbie Limon Band, L to R: Paul Moschetto, Robbie Limon, Jamie Leonard, and Chuck Peterson.

The dance area was mobbed with an over fifties crowd. However, there were plenty of youngsters bopping alongside their elders, singing the songs word for word, most likely introduced to the music that their parents or grandparents loved which created shared experiences across the age groups. Many sitting in their lawn chairs found comfort in the familiar sounds of the past, and smiled as they allowed themselves to relive the music of their youth.

Robbie Limon formed The Robbie Limon Band in 2002 and has been extremely successful as the band’s director, guitarist, and featured vocalist. All photos courtesy Marty Barley.

Robbie Limon is a favorite among Shenandoah Valley music fans. However, Limon grew up in Prince George’s County, Maryland and has resided in Frederick County since 2001. He formed The Robbie Limon Band in 2002 and has been extremely successful as the band’s director, guitarist, and featured vocalist. By word of mouth, folks come to Robbie Limon events to share the familiar sounds of the past, and Limon feeds off that enormous energy.

Paul Moschetto, Lead Guitar & Vocals, is a Shenandoah Conservatory graduate who has been performing in the Shenandoah Valley area since 1991.

West Oaks Farmers Market has highly attended concerts on the weekends beginning in spring and throughout the summer months. People have been flocking to the music venue because of the breathtakingly beautiful evenings, outstanding restaurant, and entertaining rock, country, and bluegrass performances.

According to West Oaks Farm Market & Event Venue General Manager, Levi Snapp, the facility has been hosting their farm market concerts since 2021. “We typically see anywhere from 300-500 attendees with some nights drawing larger crowds depending on the band and other activities taking place at the time around the community. We created the concerts as an enjoyable family activity for all ages to come out and spend time on the farm and get some fresh air while also supporting local musicians,” said Snapp.

Jamie Leonard, Drums & Vocals, is originally from Virginia Beach. Jamie now resides in the Shenandoah Valley and is the most recent member of the Robbie Limon Band. He brings over 40 years of performing experience in many different musical genres to the group.

“I believe the concerts are a success due to the customers’ ability to enjoy being outside and visit with friends, and having the freedom to move around the venue compared to a seated restaurant setting. Folks feel comfortable bringing their families here to spread out and relax. The Farmer’s Market is always open for produce shopping, kids’ playgrounds, seasonal pick-your-own produce, and so much more. West Oaks is truly appreciative of our loyal customer base continuing to support local businesses,” Snapp concluded.

A bedrock of agriculture, West Oaks Farm Market has been passed down through the family for eleven generations as the Snapp’s’ continue to maintain their farming legacy.

Chuck Peterson, Bass & Vocals, is well-known to Winchester-area audiences, having performed in the region for more than 30 years.

Today, West Oaks proudly supplies local families with an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, and quality meats all available for purchase through their farm market.

Samicon 2024 Brings Magic to Samuel Public Library

The Samuel Public Library in Front Royal came alive on Saturday, September 21, 2024, for Samicon 2024, a Harry Potter-inspired event that turned the library into a world of wizards, witches, and whimsical fun. The theme, “Libraries Open a World of Magic,” created an enchanting experience for visitors of all ages, combining the joy of literature with the excitement of comic book culture, arts, crafts, and technology.

Erin Rooney, Executive Director of Samuel Public Library, kicked off the event by sharing her excitement about the day. “We have so many people here already, and the day has just begun,” she said. Rooney explained that visitors could collect raffle tickets by participating in activities throughout the library, with prizes including a magic wand. “The more you do, the more chances you have to win,” she added, noting that the day was designed to be both interactive and rewarding.

Mike McCool speaks with Grace Green and Erin Rooney. Photos by Brenden McHugh, Video by Connor Clark, Royal Examiner.

Magical Attractions at Every Turn

Visitors exploring Samicon were greeted by decorations reminiscent of Hogwarts, complete with talking portraits. As they moved through the library, attendees could visit various stations, each offering unique activities like arts and crafts, comic book displays, and escape rooms. “We really went all out this year with the decorations,” said Grace Green, the Adult Reference Librarian, excitedly pointing out the intricate setup that transported guests into the Harry Potter universe.

For those seeking a bit of a challenge, the library’s escape room, set in the Forbidden Forest, became an instant hit. “We lock you in until you solve the puzzle,” joked Erin, as she explained the immersive experience. While no group had yet completed the puzzle, the escape room added a sense of adventure to the day.

One of the key attractions of Samicon 2024 was the unveiling of the library’s new “Studio 330.” Aided by a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation, the space is a “memory lab” designed to help preserve local history. Erin Rooney led a tour of the newly renovated room, which featured everything from VHS digitizing stations to advanced craft technology like 3D printers and laser engravers. “People will be able to digitize old photos and videos for free,” Rooney explained, highlighting the personal archiving capabilities the library now offers. The space also includes a “maker space” with tools for crafting, such as sewing machines, sublimation printers, and a Cricut machine for cutting vinyl. “We’re excited to start teaching people how to use all this equipment,” she added.

Vendors and Local Talent

The library also hosted a wide array of vendors and artists. Trish from Baerxstitches, a fiber artist and illustrator, displayed adorable handcrafted toys and plush figures. “I love making small, cute things,” Trish shared, showing off the tiny crocheted creations that captured the hearts of attendees. Suz from “Dropped Stitches” was another vendor, offering crocheted items that fit perfectly into the magical theme of the day. “It’s kind of like magic itself,” Suz said, describing the process of transforming yarn into art.

Drew Johnson

Other highlights included Main Street Geek, a local comic book shop that brought free comics and pop-culture-themed jewelry to the event. Along with the comics, Samicon 2024 boasted the presence of industry professionals like Drew Johnson, a comic book artist known for his work with DC, Marvel, and Legendary Comics, currently working on projects related to the movie Dune. “I’ve been drawing comics since I was five years old, and now I’m doing it for a living,” Johnson said, inspiring young visitors. KC Johnson, a director for the long-running TV series The Simpsons , also made an appearance, sharing stories about her career and love for storytelling through animation.

Community Spirit and Hands-On Fun

For families, the day was a perfect blend of entertainment and hands-on activities. From the Harry Potter-themed escape room to art and craft stations, there was no shortage of things to do. Parents appreciated the opportunity to let their children explore safely, with many remarking on how well-organized the event was. One couple from West Virginia, Sarah and Dustin Catlett, brought their artwork to showcase, noting that their children had a blast running around the library while they connected with other attendees.

Master Gardners show their magic with water.

In addition to the games and crafts, the library also hosted educational tables, such as the Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners, who taught visitors how to propagate plants from cuttings. Their “magic of water” table demonstrated how easy it is to grow new plants at home. They also provided information on gardening classes starting soon in Warren County.

A Charitable Cause

Charity organization known as the 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs, dressed in Star Wars costumes.

Among the cosplayers and fans at the event, one group stood out: a charity organization known as the 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs, dressed in Star Wars costumes. “We’re the bad guys doing good,” explained one member, as they walked around the library in full Mandalorian armor. The group participates in charity events throughout the year, raising awareness and funds for various causes. One father shared how the group had helped his daughter during a tough time, and how their support had meant the world to his family.

A Magical Day to Remember

Visitors continued to flock to Samicon, enjoying everything from lightsaber duels to storytelling sessions. By early afternoon, the library will be buzzing with excitement, with people of all ages getting swept up in the magic of the day. Samicon 2024 will be a huge success, showcasing the library’s role as a hub for creativity, learning, and community engagement.

The event continues until 4 p.m., and those who missed out on the early activities were encouraged to drop by and experience the magic for themselves. Samicon 2024 isn’t just about Harry Potter—it was about celebrating the wonders that libraries offer, from high-tech innovation to timeless stories.

Thank You to our Local Business Participants:

King Cartoons

Upcoming Events

Home — Essay Samples — Government & Politics — Veterans — My Pledge to Our Veterans: Honoring Sacrifice and Commitment

My Pledge to Our Veterans: Honoring Sacrifice and Commitment

• Categories: Honor Veterans

About this sample

Words: 717 |

Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 717 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

1. recognition and gratitude, 2. supporting their transition, 3. advocating for policies and initiatives, 4. educating others, 5. encouraging civic engagement, conclusion: a pledge of gratitude and action.

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life Government & Politics

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 923 words

3 pages / 1473 words

2 pages / 803 words

1 pages / 624 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Veterans

In societies around the world, individuals who have served in the military are often revered as heroes. The term "hero" is commonly associated with bravery, sacrifice, and service, attributes that are undeniably embodied by [...]

Heroes come in many forms, and among them are the men and women who have served in the armed forces of their countries. Veterans are often hailed as heroes, but what is it about their service that earns them this esteemed title? [...]

Veterans Day is a significant and revered holiday in the United States, a day when we come together to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. In this comprehensive essay, we will examine the [...]

The history of Veterans Day dates back to November 11, 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the day as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, the holiday was renamed Veterans Day to honor all [...]

Honoring veterans is a crucial duty that society must uphold to show gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by these brave men and women. This essay will explore the importance of honoring veterans, tracing its history [...]

War can have a profound psychological impact on veterans and civilians alike. The trauma of war can manifest in a variety of ways, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free