Veterans Day 2025 is a time to honor and appreciate all who have served in our armed forces.  Across the United States, including the more than 331,000 veterans in Wisconsin (wiveteranschamber.org), brave men and women have made selfless sacrifices to protect our freedom and safety.  On this day of reflection, we recognize not only their military service but also the immense value of their contributions after returning home, for those fortunate enough to come back.  Our gratitude must go beyond words; it should inspire us to fully welcome veterans back into our hearts, workplaces, and communities with respect, opportunity, and support.

Service and Sacrifice: Defending the Nation

Veterans Day grew out of Armistice Day (marking the end of World War I) and today honors all American veterans. It is an opportunity for citizens of all ages – from children in classrooms to adults at community events – to learn about and appreciate the service of those who wore the uniform.  Veterans have risked life and limb for our country, whether storming beaches in WWII, patrolling mountains in Afghanistan, or responding to disasters at home.  They endured hardships, separation from loved ones, and the perils of combat to uphold the ideals of our nation. In return, our most sacred obligation is to care for them when they survive to come home (va.gov).  As President Biden noted, we must be “staunch advocates” for veterans and their families, fighting “like hell every day to ensure we serve Veterans as well as they have served this country.”  Patriots in service, and patriots in civilian life – veterans deserve nothing less than our most profound respect and tangible support.

Yet too often in the past, America’s welcome home has been incomplete.  Some veterans, especially in earlier eras, returned to indifference or even stigma instead of gratitude.  We have learned from those mistakes.  Today, communities across the country organize Veterans Day parades, school assemblies, and moments of silence to show appreciation.  But beyond these ceremonies, true appreciation means ensuring every veteran can transition successfully to civilian life.  One Wisconsin veteran described coming home as “starting from ground zero” – finding that “all the accolades, all the positions that you had before… doesn’t mean anything” (wpr.org).  That stark feeling of starting over underscores why we must all strive to completely welcome service members back – into our hearts, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods.

From Uniform to Community: Veterans Continue to Serve

Honoring veterans also means recognizing the positive impact they have after service.  Far from fitting the “broken veteran” stereotype, many veterans channel their dedication and skills into strengthening our communities.  “They sacrificed greatly for their country, then came home and just continued to serve.  Continued to give back to their communities,” explains Greg Krueger of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum (wpr.org).  Indeed, veterans often remain guided by a spirit of service long after taking off the uniform.

For example, veterans are highly engaged in volunteerism, civic groups, and public service.  A national civic health survey found that “veterans, old and young, were more civically healthy than non-veterans” on almost all measures (vfw.org).  On average, veterans volunteer 95 hours per year, which is 21 hours more than non-veterans (vfw.org).  About 37% of veterans belong to community organizations (vs. 27% of non-veterans), and veterans are also more likely to vote (vfw.org).  Rather than only being recipients of help, veterans are often the ones leading charity drives, mentoring youth, responding in crises, and improving neighborhoods.  As Mary Beth Bruggeman of The Mission Continues put it, while veterans “may need some help, in fact, the community needs [their] help.” (vfw.org)  Their sense of duty and teamwork make them pillars of civic life.

Beyond volunteering, veterans contribute through business and innovation.  Many become entrepreneurs and job creators.  In Wisconsin alone, more than 55,000 veteran-owned businesses employ over 110,000 people and generate $20+ billion in annual sales (wiveteranschamber.org).  Countless others take on roles as teachers, first responders, doctors, engineers, and public officials.  We even see veterans continuing to serve in government – from local city councils to Congress – carrying forward their commitment to our country.  These examples reinforce that veterans enrich the workforce and our economy.  They bring leadership, discipline, and problem-solving abilities that benefit civilian employers.  As Wisconsin’s Workforce Development Secretary Amy Pechacek affirms, “Our veterans bring valuable assets to the workforce and deserve meaningful employment opportunities as civilians.” (content.govdelivery.com)  Companies and organizations that hire veterans often find they gain team members who are mission-focused, adaptable, and proven under pressure, qualities honed through military service.

Thanks to public and private efforts, veterans today are finding greater success in the job market.  After a difficult period following wars this century, when veteran unemployment spiked above 12% (and even near 30% for young post-9/11 vets in 2011) (mason.wm.edu), the situation has improved markedly.  The veteran unemployment rate fell to 2.8% in 2023, lower than the 3.6% rate for non-veterans (bls.gov).  In fact, veterans as a group now have higher incomes and lower poverty rates than the general population (usafacts.org).  This progress is a testament to veterans’ resilience and programs that connect them to jobs.  National initiatives like the Hiring Our Heroes program and the Veteran Jobs Mission (through which employers have hired hundreds of thousands of vets) have helped change the narrative (mason.wm.edu).  Still, as experts caution, “it is too early to simply declare ‘mission accomplished’ on veteran employment” while challenges like underemployment remain (mason.wm.edu). We must continue to empower veterans to find not just jobs, but careers that fully leverage their talents.

Standing Together to Support Our Veterans’ Well-Being

Appreciation for veterans must also mean vigilance for their well-being.  Transitioning from military life can be stressful and isolating, and some veterans face wounds both visible and invisible.  One urgent concern is the high rate of veteran suicide.  Tragically, an estimated 17 U.S. veterans die by suicide every day, a rate roughly double that of the civilian population (airforcetimes.com and rand.org).  In 2022 alone, 6,407 veterans took their own lives nationally – including 136 veteran lives lost in Wisconsin (localnews8.com).  Each loss is a heartbreaking tragedy that underscores the depth of struggles some veterans face with PTSD, depression, substance abuse, or simply the difficult adjustment to civilian life.

The good news is that suicide prevention is possible.  As VA Secretary Denis McDonough reminds us, “It’s important to remember that there is hope. Suicide prevention is possible… we have made great strides… But we still have a lot of work to do.” (airforcetimes.com).  In recent years, public awareness and resources for veterans’ mental health have expanded.  The VA and Defense Department have prioritized new programs, from enhanced transition assistance to community-based support networks.  The nationwide launch of the 988 Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1) provides an easy-to-reach lifeline for veterans in distress (airforcetimes.com).  And local organizations are stepping up with peer support efforts, recognizing that sometimes the best person to reach a veteran is another veteran.

A powerful example comes from Wisconsin’s veteran community.  Army veteran Mark Flower of West Allis hit rock bottom after his service – battling homelessness, addiction, and suicidal thoughts in the 1990s (localnews8.com).  One cold night, Mark nearly ended his life under a Milwaukee bridge.  But in that moment of crisis, something stirred in him: “I decided that trying to get better was better than… thinking about jumping off,” he recalls (localnews8.com).  He walked into a recovery center and began the hard journey of rebuilding his life. With time and support, Mark not only recovered but also dedicated himself to helping fellow veterans facing similar demons.  He trained as a peer support specialist and now works with programs assisting veterans struggling with addiction and mental health.  Mark even participates in events like “Freezin’ for a Reason,” sleeping outside in winter to raise awareness for veteran homelessness (localnews8.com).  His message to others is simple and profound: “I firmly believe that until I told somebody about my journey… I was not getting better.  So my thought is: let somebody know if you’re not feeling good.  Start that journey of talking about it.” (localnews8.com) In other words, breaking the silence is the first step to healing.  Mark’s story shows the importance of personal connection and that no veteran should fight their battles alone.

Leaders echo this call for all of us to look out for one another. “Let’s be clear, mental health is health, period,” says Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. “And it’s on all of us to end the stigma of asking for help… Stay connected with your friends, your family members, your teammates.  If you’re hurting, support is within reach.” (airforcetimes.com)  This progressive, human-centered approach recognizes that community and understanding can save lives. Each of us – whether a fellow veteran, a family member, a neighbor or simply a grateful citizen – can play a role in checking in, lending a hand, and encouraging veterans to seek help when needed.  Preventing tragedy is a shared responsibility.  Every life lost to suicide is one too many, and we must do whatever it takes to show our veterans that they matter, that we care, and that help is available (va.gov).

What We Can Do: Gratitude Through Action

Expressing appreciation for veterans involves action at every level of society.  Here are some ways we can all make a difference:

• As Individuals (Adults and Youth):  Learn and engage.  Take time to listen to veterans’ stories and thank them genuinely.  Something as simple as writing a thank-you card or having an honest conversation can show a veteran you value their service.  Parents and teachers can involve children in projects to support veterans.  For example, making care packages for troops, inviting a veteran to speak at school, or visiting a local VA hospital or veterans home.  Small acts of kindness, like helping a veteran neighbor with yard work or shoveling snow, also build community bonds.  Most importantly, if you know a veteran personally, reach out regularly.  A phone call or coffee chat to ask “How are you doing?” can go a long way.  Let veterans know you’re glad they’re part of the community.  And if you see a veteran (or anyone) showing signs of distress, encourage them to seek help and offer to help find resources or accompany them if they need support.  As Secretary Austin said, ending the stigma of seeking help starts with each of us being open and supportive (airforcetimes.com).
• Community Groups and Organizations: Leverage the power of community.  Local service clubs, nonprofits, faith groups, and youth organizations can incorporate veteran support into their missions.  Consider partnering with veteran service organizations (like the VFW, American Legion, or Team Red, White & Blue) on volunteer projects.  Some communities hold “Veterans Appreciation Day” events, job fairs, or free workshops for veterans on topics like resume writing and VA benefits – these not only help veterans but also educate the public.  Youth groups can adopt a military unit or collect oral histories from local veterans (with help from places like the Wisconsin Veterans Museum).  Libraries and historical societies can showcase veterans’ contributions, bridging generations.  By actively including and recruiting veterans in community improvement efforts (parks clean-ups, mentoring programs, leadership roles in civic groups), we both benefit from their skills and send the message that veterans are needed and valued neighbors (vfw.org).  Remember the civic health survey’s recommendation: “recruit, empower and leverage [veterans]” in community initiatives.  They have proven leadership abilities; let’s give them opportunities to continue serving their communities at home.
• Employers and Educators: Offer opportunities and understanding.  Businesses can commit to hiring and supporting veterans, not just on Veterans Day but year-round.  This includes recognizing the transferable skills veterans possess:  leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.  Perhaps provide mentorship or training to ease their transition into civilian roles.  Many veterans, especially younger ones, initially struggle to find a career fit; they may feel that employers don’t understand their military experience.  Employers can combat this by building veteran-friendly workplace cultures (for instance, starting an employee veterans’ affinity group or training HR staff to interpret military résumés).  There are also incentives, such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for hiring veterans, and organizations like the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Vets Ready Employer Initiative that guide companies on best practices (content.govdelivery.com).  Schools and colleges, too, should ensure that veterans on campus feel welcome and supported, from granting credit for military training to providing veteran student lounges or peer mentors.  No veteran’s skills should go untapped due to a lack of understanding.  When we invest in veterans’ careers and education, we invest in leaders who strengthen our workplaces and classrooms.  As the saying goes, “Hire a vet: it’s good for business and the community.”
• Policy Makers and Community Leaders: Champion the cause.  Our elected officials at the local, state, and national levels must prioritize veterans’ issues in policy and funding decisions.  This means fully funding veterans’ healthcare, mental health services, housing programs, and job training initiatives.  In Wisconsin, for example, bipartisan efforts are underway to restore funding for veterans’ housing and recovery programs that assist homeless and at-risk vets (wisconsinwatch.org).  We need more of these cooperative initiatives. It’s encouraging that, in 2024, Wisconsin’s veteran employment services ranked 4th in the nation (content.govdelivery.com) – a sign that smart investment and dedicated programs yield results.  At the national level, Congress has boosted the VA budget to its largest ever, and landmark legislation like the recent PACT Act expanded healthcare for veterans exposed to burn pits and toxins.  Such strides should continue.  Policy makers should work closely with veteran service organizations to identify gaps – whether it’s improving the military-to-civilian Transition Assistance Program (TAP) or ensuring no veteran is left waiting months for the care they need.  Increasing funding for veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention is especially critical; grants for local outreach, support for alternative therapies, and measures to promote safe firearm storage for at-risk vets are all part of a comprehensive prevention strategy.  Ultimately, leaders must send a clear message through their actions: we honor our veterans by keeping our promises to them.  That means guaranteeing they have access to the benefits, support, and opportunities they have earned.

A Grateful, United Homecoming

On this Veterans Day 2025, let us come together in a spirit of patriotic gratitude and humanist concern.  We celebrate the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Guardians who answered the call – those who stood guard on far-flung frontiers and those who served here at home.  We also recognize that our duty to them begins when their military service ends.  Truly honoring veterans requires more than a handshake or a discount (though those are nice gestures).  It means building a society where veterans are embraced as integral members of our community, where their skills are harnessed, their challenges are addressed, and their well-being is a shared priority.

Each of us can play a part in that mission.  We can educate ourselves and our children about veterans’ experiences and contributions.  We can challenge misconceptions and highlight success stories of veterans thriving as business owners, volunteers, and leaders next door.  We can check in on the veterans in our lives, offering friendship and a listening ear.  We can support legislation that improves veterans’ quality of life, from mental health care to housing. And we can remind our communities that no one who served our country should ever feel alone or undervalued when they come home.

In a polarized world, supporting our veterans unites us.  It calls upon the best of American values: loyalty, service, compassion, and justice.  As the civic health report wisely concluded, we should not only help veterans, but “recognize their desire and skills to serve” and invite them to keep making an impact (vfw.org).  When a veteran succeeds, our whole nation benefits.  When a veteran struggles, we all have a responsibility to lift them up.

So today, let’s pledge to be there for America’s veterans – in gratitude for yesterday’s service and in support of tomorrow’s journeys.  Whether you’re an employer committing to hire more vets, a neighbor offering a helping hand, or a lawmaker drafting better policy, you are part of fulfilling the promise that echoes every Veterans Day: “Thank you for your service – now let us serve you.” By appreciating and empowering our veterans, we honor the ideals they fought for and strengthen the fabric of our communities.  Happy Veterans Day, and may we show our thanks through action, this day and every day.

Sources:

• Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce – Veterans in Wisconsin (business & economic impact) wiveteranschamber.org
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs va.gov
• WPR – Veterans’ Transition Challenges (Sep 2024) wpr.org
• Wisconsin Public Radio – Wisconsin Veterans Museum “Traditions” Exhibit (veterans’ contributions after service) wpr.org
• VFW “Unsung Heroes” Civic Health Survey – Veterans’ Volunteerism & Civic Engagement vfw.org and vfw.org
• Wisconsin Dept. of Workforce Development – Press Release on Veteran Employment Services (Jan 2024) content.govdelivery.com
• William & Mary (via Fortune, Nov 2024) – Veteran Employment Historical Context mason.wm.edu
• Bureau of Labor Statistics – Veteran Unemployment Rate (2023) bls.gov
• Air Force Times – Austin & McDonough Message on Suicide Prevention (Sep 2022) airforcetimes.com
• RAND Corporation – Veteran Suicide Statistics (2025 update) rand.org
• CNN/WDJT Milwaukee – Mark Flower’s Comeback Story (Jan 2025) localnews8.com
• Wisconsin Watch – Veterans Housing Bill in Wisconsin (Oct 2025) wisconsinwatch.org

Happy Veterans Day 2025 blog.  We heartily welcome and invite you to copy and use the content above with attribution by including this paragraph and a live link back to this post at https://www.wisx.com/veterans-day-2025-honoring-service-with-gratitude.  Thanks also to Mark Mullarky at Great Lakes Tech Services for sharing!

Happy Veterans Day 2025!  

Regards,
Keith Klein
Founder & CEO
OnYourMark.com LLC

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