Thread by @MarjorieDecker

In case you missed my Veterans Day message yesterday.

"Today is Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of WWI. I have observed this day with my family, community, and Veterans since I was born. It's a day that many remember those lost in service.

It's a day where we are mindful and thankful to those who serve our Armed Forces. As the daughter of a Vietnam Veteran, I often reflect on the circumstances that left my then 17-year-old father drafted into a war he did not sign up to serve.

I remember tearfully watching my dad when we first visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. I remember while others were grieving the loss of loved ones, comrades, and friends,

I was grieving the life and opportunity that was stripped from my father and thousands of Veterans who "survived" and came home alive. I think of our Veterans who chose to enter service and for those who feel they have few other choices or paths to education or careers.

I think of the continued growth rate of poverty that has consistently grown since the 1980s, for Veterans and their families. I think of the over 6000 Veterans annually who have committed suicide each year since 2008.

Firearms were used for 70.7% of male Veteran suicide deaths and 43.2% of female Veteran suicide deaths in 2017. Over 37,000 Veterans were identified as homeless this year alone.

I think of my own father who was homeless for a time, finally felt seen and understood when he found shelter at the @NECHV. I think of the 76 Veterans who died at the Holyoke Soldiers Home due to COVID-19.

8 years ago, weeks after I announced I was running for State Representative, my father died living at the Bedford VA, and I think of the 41 Veterans who died there due to COVID-19. Our Veterans don't get to question Congress or challenge the President.

Once, enlisted they train and prepare to serve and protect American interests. However questionable, we sometimes feel about their missions or mandate-they rely on us the voters to elect and hold Congress and the President accountable.

I will always be deeply grateful and mindful of those who serve and the sacrifices many will endure. I ask that we collectively thank our Veterans every day by ensuring their safety and care are best represented by those we elect.

Our gratitude will be hollow as long as our Veterans continue to fall into despair, live in poverty, struggle with addiction, and homelessness and die in our care." #VeteransDay