I want to take a moment to acknowledge the service to our country by our veterans and extend them a special thank you on Saturday, November 11, when the nation observes Veterans Day. We take this time to honor our veterans for their devotion, their willingness to serve and for the sacrifices they made for our country. This tradition is well over a hundred years old. Started at the end of World War I, it was first known as Armistice Day, commemorating the cessation of hostilities of that war at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. Congress passed legislation and President Dwight Eisenhower signed it in 1954, proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day.
AP Photo of Armistice Day, Nov. 11, 1918
As a country we should make every effort to support veterans who struggle with mental health issues or substance use disorder. According to the U.S. Dept of Veteran Affairs, approximately 1 out every 10 veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan has experienced problems with alcohol or other drugs. Here is a message from the Veterans Administration:
If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring qualified Veteran Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This is private, free and available 24/7.
To connect with a Veteran Crisis Line responder day or night, you can call 988, text 838255. If you have a hearing loss, call TTY: 800 799-4889, or click here to start a confidential chat.
Click here for substance use treatment for veterans
Veterans experiencing homelessness can contact Community Hope (1 855 483 8466), a non-profit providing services to veterans in New Jersey.
Thank you again to all our veterans, and I encourage all residents of New Jersey to take a moment to share this message with the veterans they know or someone who cares for them, and thank them for their service.