Next Thursday, November 11, is Veterans Day. The day is set aside to honor all military veterans who have served in the military and includes those currently in the military serving all over the globe. The current number of U.S. veterans is estimated to be around 19 million as of this year, according to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, representing just over 7% of the total U.S. adult population. The veteran population has been declining for the last decade or so due to aging and a reduction in military personnel.

According to a recent Pew Research Center article published this year, 72% of Americans view veterans’ benefits and services as a priority. In fact, that majority contains equal shares of support among Democrats and Republicans. The vast majority support an increase in spending for veterans’ benefits and services. Those in elected office and those campaigning for government office would be well advised to support spending increases where veterans’ needs are concerned.

One reason why veterans may not occupy the priority status they once had in Congress is there are fewer elected officials with prior military experience. The current Congress has only 17% of its members with previous military service. In 1975, the Senate had 81% of its members with prior service. House members reached a peak of 75% with prior service experience in 1967.

Over the next 25 years the number of living veterans will decline by about 35% from approximately 19 million to 12.5 million veterans. The demographic will also become more diverse with an increase of female and Hispanic veterans.

What are ways to honor veterans on November 11? One of the best ways to honor veterans on this day is to attend a Veterans Day event. Next Thursday, November 11, the Veterans Assistance Commission of Will County is co-hosting a Veteran’s Day Ceremony with the Village of New Lenox, VFW Post 9545, and American Legion Post 1977. The program will start at 11 AM at New Lenox Commons located at 145 Veterans Parkway in New Lenox. The outdoor ceremony will conclude at 12 noon.

Following the ceremony, the public is invited to view The Moving Wall at American Legion Post 1977 located at 14414 Ford Dr. in New Lenox. The memorial will be available for viewing from November 10 -14. The Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Moving Wall has been touring the country for more than thirty years. Attendees will also be invited to see Portraits of a Soldier in the New Lenox Village Hall Rotunda.

Showing appreciation for a veteran’s service doesn’t need to be limited to one day a year.  There are several ways to show appreciation for a veteran’s service. Talk to a friend or family member who is a veteran. Ask them what they did in the military. Also, it is important to respect their silence if they choose not to talk about their experience. Let your children and grandchildren know about veterans and their service. Don’t be shy about thanking a veteran for their service.

There are also many businesses willing to share a bit of themselves on Veterans Day. Many offer merchandise discounts year-round. One of the business benefits being offered to veterans comes from an old familiar one. Approved veterans can shop the online military post exchanges, including ShopMyExchange.com! Shopping with the Exchange online gives you access to exclusive military pricing and offers, tax-free shopping and more. This is a lifelong benefit that will be extended to all who discharge honorably from service.

In order to take advantage of this benefit you must be an eligible veteran. To check your eligibility, go to www.vetverify.org and submit the verification form. Let veterans you come in contact with aware of this valuable benefit. It’s only available online. The advantage? NO sales tax, competitive pricing, free shipping and they match best price.

To all veterans: Thank you for your service!

One last thing… The pandemic is still with us. According to the published agenda for City Council meetings, in compliance with Governor Pritzker’s mandate, any person appearing in person must wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth. Apparently, Mayor O’Dekirk, Councilman Hug and Councilman Clement are exempt from the mandate since they do not wear masks at the meeting. No doubt they are healthy, take vitamins and workout as stated by Councilman Clement when questioned about noncompliance at a prior committee meeting. Show some leadership or explain why you choose to ignore the governor’s mandate.

Stay tuned…

Comments are welcome. Contact Wayne at www.thetimesweekly.com