Honoring Our Veterans

Flags for Forgotten Soldiers Memorial on the corner of Zion Rd and Fire Rd in Egg Harbor Township. These 660 flags represent the number of veterans that take their own life each month.

 

 

Honoring Our Veterans

My father, Charles Christy in 1954, a soldier in the US Army

From the Editor

Veterans Day is a day we all pause to reflect and express gratitude to those who sacrificed for our country. Freedom is not free. Those who fight for our country face treacherous conditions that many of us couldn’t even imagine. When our veterans come home, if they are lucky enough to not be physically injured, they often have what to us may be invisible challenges, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or Traumatic Brain Injury. This can change their lives forever and make day to day life difficult, if not impossible.  

You may have noticed the 660 flags on the corner of Zion Road and Fire Road in Egg Harbor Township. Did you know that each flag represents a veteran who took his or her own life? The rate of suicide among veterans is more than twice the national average. Veterans account for seven out of every 10 suicides nationally. This tells us, loud and clear, that we must do more to support our soldiers when they come home. The good news is that we are hearing their call, and many local organizations are working hard to help veterans. Hometown Hero Paul Stern is the commander of Jewish War Vets Post 39. He sat in Shoprite and Casel’s grocery store for many hours, collecting dollar bills. Those dollars added up to over $35,000. All of the funds were donated to helping veterans. K9 Warriors matches trained service dogs with veterans struggling with PTSD or TBI. Patriot Riders of America, AMVETS, the American Legion, VFW, and Walk for the Wounded, are just some of the great organizations working to help other veterans.

This edition of Shore Local contains a special section called, “Veterans Honored,” highlighting the organizations and people in our community stepping up to make a difference for veterans here and afar. It also lists resources and useful information for veterans.  Additionally, we are proud to introduce a new Veterans column, called “We Salute You,” which will appear in every issue of Shore Local. We welcome new columnist, Cynthia Coons, who will be heading this up. Cynthia is an Egg Harbor Township resident and a member of the Patriot Riders of America. 

As we approach Thanksgiving and this season of gratitude, let’s all remember to express our gratitude for those who sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Peace & Love,

Cindy

If you have an issue or opinion you’d like to share we would love to hear from you. Email Shore Local Newsmagazine at shorelocalnews@gmail.com.

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