Veterans Day Celebrated on November 11th
By: Victoria Martinez, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2024
Veterans Day is annually recognized on November 11 to honor the bravery and sacrifice of men and women who dedicated themselves to defending our freedom.
Originally known as “Armistice Day,” it commemorated the end of World War I and honored those who served. In 1954, the US Congress changed the name to “Veterans Day,” honoring the service of all American veterans.
Honoring and appreciating veterans means supporting them not only when they are actively serving but also when they return home. One of the biggest challenges veterans face is the transition from military service to civilian life. It’s essential to assist the support systems in navigating veterans through post-service life.
Organizations such as local VFW Posts and American Legions can assist our veterans with adapting to their new lives as civilians by offering camaraderie, assistance, and advocacy. “There’s not a time that I’ve laughed harder than at the VFW” stated Rodrigo Escamilla Jr., marine corps veteran, “it helps to have other people.”
With a large veteran population in Eagle Pass including individuals from Piedras Negras, the VFW Post 8562 struggles to recruit members for their organization. “The friendship here is something you really miss that you had while you were in the military, something that you really want to have coming out (of service) so don’t be afraid to come to these places (VFW and the American Legion),” informed Ricardo Gutierrez, marine corps veteran, “I didn’t come up here (VFW) as talkative as I am now, I was extremely isolated,”
The mental health challenges faced by the veteran community include PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to the loss of camaraderie and sense of purpose. Veterans are at a higher risk of suicide compared to the general public due to the effects of mental illness and the struggle to reintegrate.
According to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report by the US Department of Veterans Affairs based on data from 2021, more than 17 veterans are likely to take their own lives on a daily bases.
“If you are not part of the VFW and you feel lost, this is where you find your home,” expressed the Commander of VFW Post 8562, Diana Montoya.
From flag ceremonies for schools and the city to funerals honoring the lives of fallen soldiers, the VFW provides veterans with volunteer opportunities that bring meaning. “They gave me a purpose in life,” voiced the VFW Commander.
While parades and discounts are wonderful gestures, appreciating veterans means showing appreciation by supporting resources that provide employment, community outreach, and mental health assistance.
“We were trained to fight, we were drilled into that and when we came out (of service) they let us go our own ways,” explained Mr. Gutierrez, “Having the community of the VFW and the American Legion ease the transition of become more of a civilian.”
“We striving for new members, we have a whole bunch of veterans in Eagle Pass that are not showing up,” informed Roberto Silva, Judge Advocate Post 8562 “We are here to reach out to you or for you to reach out to us, we can help you.”
The VFW Post 8562 hosts weekly meetings on Wednesdays from 9 AM to 12 PM at its location at 2424 E Main Street, Eagle Pass, TX 78852.
