Veterans Day Tribute

To the dedicated veterans in my life – this one’s for you.

A Veteran’s Day tribute to our life-saving, dedicated, and strong veteran soldiers from all military branches.

Veteran’s day holds a special place in my heart because there is so much appreciation to be had.  From the extended branches of the military, all soldiers who have fought for this country deserve to be recognized.  Each and every day, I thank my family fighter’s for their service and to the troops who are currently overseas ready to protect and serve.  The bravery and strength of this countries soldiers is evident in all of their actions during their time in the military and beyond.

Veterans struggle to balance a normal life with the gruesome things they have seen and the guilt they feel with family and friends when returning home from war. Many young soldiers cannot bear the emotions and struggles of finding a normal life and sometimes fall to dire vices such as alcoholism or drug use. The memories of my grandfather, Thomas Luciano Sr., will remain for the rest of his life just as his fellow soldiers.  Returning to civilian life is a challenge every soldier must face, one of which they may succeed in, but will never forget the things they have witnessed and carried out in combat.

Not every family has a direct connection to the armed forces, but they can still appreciate the time and dedication each soldier gives to protect us.  My grandfather and uncle spent many years fighting for our country.  Each served during a period of time when soldiers played a crucial role in our safety.  These war-time soldiers came home safe, raised beautiful families, all while experiencing post-war trauma.  They commit their time to watching their families grow and continuously give back to the military.  I want to highlight a collection of their most honorable achievements, but words cannot express the respect and gratitude I hold for them both.


Thomas Luciano

United States Army

25th Infantry Division Tropic Thunder

Years Served: 1968/69

Combat Infantryman

Awarded the prestigious Bronze Star Medal for heroic or meritorious achievement or service for saving a fellow soldier’s life in battle

Awarded a Purple Heart for being wounded in action against an enemy of the US

Today, Thomas Luciano still suffers from PTSD and meets with his veterans group weekly for psychological therapy.

 

 Thomas Luciano Jr.

United States Army

25th Infantry Division Tropic Thunder

Combat Infantryman

~

Thomas Luciano Jr’s tank was hit by a roadside bomb in Iraq which killed and wounded his fellow soldiers. He sustained a severe head and back injury during that trip. 

He was transferred back only to undergo years of healing and therapy to regain a lot of motor skills that were lost at that time.  Especially thought and speech.  He now works for the Veteran’s Hospital where he is a strong patient liaison and advocate for current and veteran soldiers. 


Like many surviving soldiers, these men had to watch their brothers in arm suffer from severe injuries and, in the worst circumstances, death.  They have risked their lives to save others and stay strong for this country.  The events these soldiers experience often lead them to have long-term mental health injuries such as PTSD, in addition to, physical injuries such as the loss of limbs, impaired hearing or sight, and decreased mobility.

Participating in the war and training could take years of toll on a soldier’s life because they must learn to communicate with people again, retain any hostility they may have, struggle to push memories aside, deal with nightmares, and attend therapy sessions. The youth the soldiers had before being drafted, will never come back; they are fogged with visions from the war. It is amazing to see the progress soldiers are making in education and home-life after war.  Many don’t realize how difficult it can be to jump back to a normal life, but it’s time to recognize the health and well-being of our soldiers.

Soldiers in every war have seen horrific things and must find a way to act normal in society and with their own families upon their return. Visions from combat will be remembered forever, as well as some of the more beneficial experiences and friendships discovered along the way. There is a chance for every soldier to come home and live a normal civilian life with the proper help and guidance. Although they will never forget the memories, they can be overcome and forgotten by finding an outlet of peace.

Every year on November 11th the USA honors it’s veterans and servicemen of the military.  I believe they should be honored every day for the sacrifices that they make to keep us free as a nation. Today I am attending a remembrance service for our nations soldiers, but I will be sure to continue honoring them each and every day through the actions I take.  Be sure to send your thoughts out to those who fight for our country on this important day.

 

Melrose Annual Memorial Day Parade

Interested in reading about the struggles soldiers must face from their point of view? I highly recommend the book “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien.  It consists of many short stories highlighting the positive and negative results war has on a soldiers life.  I came close to tears and had a heightened appreciation of our soldiers after reading this for the first time.

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