Dear Veterans,

I would like to apologize on behalf of today's society. We are not doing what we should in order to support those who protect us. We are brushing you under the rug in hopes that no one will speak out about it. Those who try and speak out are tuned out by the latest sports championship or Kardashian scandal. By some miracle, we all tune back in when Veteran's Day rolls around. For one day every year we are able to see past North West and Tom Brady to see you. In attempt to appear supportive, we offer a free meal from a selective menu that only represents about a fraction of the normal menu. Maybe, if you get lucky, you will get an extra mint so we can really show our appreciation.

I am sorry that while we are running around demanding equal rights for everyone, we forget about the ones who even gave us the freedom to fight for our rights.

I am sorry that you are being put on secret waiting list so that our health care providers can fool the government into thinking veterans are receiving immediate care. The hard truth is that this list is so long that illnesses that could be managed, if detected early, are claiming the lives of our veterans.

I am sorry that we are not offering the help you need to ease the transition from solider to civilian. An article in the Washington Post said that 41% of veterans thought the government was doing excellent at meeting the needs of veterans. 56% said they thought the government was doing a not so good or poor job.

I am sorry that while schools are teaching students how to cook or make pottery, they are not teaching students about veterans. Some kids don't understand the honor that comes from being a veteran and some go as far as to be rude and disrespectful.

I am sorry that while you left your family behind and missed them, we have people who neglect their family.

I am sorry that due to poor funding, we are only able to give medical treatment to a certain amount of people at a time. While you wait, we are handing out health care to everyone regardless if they have a job or not.

I am sorry that while most of us take for granted the house we live in, the clothes we wear and the food we eat, too many of veterans are homeless. It is predicted that about 26% of all homeless adults are veterans. The majority of them suffer from a mental illness, substance abuse or co-occurring disorder. These veterans are not homeless because they didn't have enough money but because they did not have the support.

I am sorry that while we are willing to throw away friendship over stupid things, you would give everything to have your buddy back.

I am sorry that while you barely scrape by, people are sitting around playing video games and waiting to receive their next welfare check.

I am sorry that while we celebrate our independence by shooting off fireworks, we forget those who continue to fight for our independence and the memories our fireworks might bring back.

I am sorry that you guys have to watch your buddies take their own lives because we do not offer proper therapy that is accessible to everyone.

I am sorry that you feel suicide is the only option for you to escape from the PTSD or TBI.

I am sorry our country is doing such a shitty job of supporting you.

I am sorry you have to suffer so that we can "thrive."

I am eternally thankful that you made the sacrifice and one day I hope to make our country better for future generations of veterans to come.

Thank you.