Memorial Day is looked on by many as a long weekend filled with family and friend get togethers and backyard barbecues. Getting together on this day has culminated from an important step in our history…remembering and honoring those who have served our country.
On this Memorial Day and throughout the year, I would like to acknowledge those men and women who have risked their lives to protect our freedom. No matter how crazy things have become when we hear the news every day, this is still one of the best countries to live in and raise your children.
Today, I would like to honor my family and an often unlooked part of the detrimental effects of war, our homeless veterans.
A few weeks ago, I was caught up in a bad rain storm while walking along the Hollywood Broadwalk which runs along the ocean. I stepped inside one of the picnic shelters lining the beach. The shelter was filled with a group of men and women. My brother, father and nephew have served, and when I looked into one of the men’s eyes, I knew right away that he was a veteran. I asked him, and he said yes, and he proudly showed me his tattoo and saluted. He was filled with so much personality and openly shared his story with me. The dark clouds crept in and as the thunder roared, he calmly told me about his life. The life he shared with me was brutal both during the war and once he came back home.
Many veterans returning from the war do not have wounds we can see on the outside. The wounds they suffered were buried within and often treated with medication before they were released from the hospital or medical treatment facility. Unfortunately, this does not fix the problem. The streets in South Florida from Miami Beach, Hollywood Beach and Ft. Lauderdale are laced with those who have not found peace within and have chosen to live outside. My heart goes out to these men and women.
A rainbow burst through the clouds and the rain stopped. The rainbow was there for only an instant. We had spoken for a long time and he thanked me for listening. What I wish for him and for all the veterans is for their rainbow to continue to shine along with renewed hope, faith and health.
I also would like to acknowledge those real estate agents that work with veterans. It is a honor to be able to work with them.
To A Blessed Memorial Day For All.
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