Life is hard for veterans, who may come back to face loss of jobs, family, friends, life-focus, homes, physical disability, emotional hurdles. So much so that many resort to suicide. It’s up to us, the people they defended, to protect them. Keep this phone number handy to pass on to a vulnerable vet. In fact, loan the vet your cell phone and be with them while they make the call. It’s the least we can do.
It really WAS “the year that changed America.” While living through it in my twenties, I didn’t realize that, of course. It just seemed that a whole lot of bad stuff and changes were happening.
I recorded the four-part series “1968: The Year that Changed America” and have just finished watching it. I realize now that my mind, in its mercy, stretched out all those events over several years rather than containing them in that one actual year.
I realize, too, that 1968 changed not only my country but me, too. I became more aware of the atrocities people can carry out on each other and of the ever-present good people who step in to help victims; of unjust laws and people acting to change them; of prejudice and bigotry and those of all colors who unite to fight them; of senseless violence and people who mourn, then rise to say “Never again!”
Watching “1968” had an odd effect on me. It saddened me as I remembered my emotions at the time. And it encouraged me, because it reminded me that Americans are resilient, determined, and caring. It made me more optimistic as I live through this current turbulent era.
And it reminded me that God truly does bless America, and He does it through us, the people.