Editorial: Honor War Veterans with “The Welcome”

Veterans Day began in November, 1918 as Armistice Day,  the laying down of weapons, or arms, following World War I.

It particularly honors war veterans, those who have served in the military in battle zones. Those veterans have done the dirty work in the name of national honor and character; far too many have given their lives, the ultimate sacrifice.

And far too many come home ill-equipped – if equipped at all – to deal with a return to the civilization they fought for. They have faced estrangement, abuse, terror, violence, degradation, discomfort  and loneliness while we have attended meetings, gone out for dinner, driven kids to classes and sports events, worked in secure and basically comfortable environments, conducted business, relaxed in local cafes, clubs and our own living rooms, been assured of basic hygiene, slept in our own beds and dealt personally with our loved ones.

How are they welcomed home?  How is returning to normalcy working for them?

Lately, there’s been a running argument about the proper descriptor for military war veterans.The word “veteran” means someone who is experienced in a particular field. It has been considered synonymous with “hero” in modern parlance. That may be true in some cases, but to use the word universally diminishes its meaning for those who truly act heroically, consciously sacrificing one’s own best interests in the face of the enemy.

“Victim” comes to mind when we think of the teenagers and young people just about to explore maturity who by default or by design are drawn into a war machine, with all its standards and mythology.  Whether drafted in the Vietnam War era, or volunteering for a job, an adventure, or a “guaranteed” education or career in today’s military, very few young people know what they’re getting into when they sign on for military service.

And the consequences of that understandable ignorance often have unimaginable impact for the rest of their lives. In short order, they become trained in following orders, keeping their opinions to themselves, testing their strength and learning entirely new skills, with equipment they’ve never handled before. They quickly become “warriors,” adept at waging battles in foreign lands, usually in climates extremely different from those back “home.”

The theater of war becomes “the new normal” for them. They cope as best they can in difficult circumstances, and may learn positive new things about themselves or they may challenge inherited prejudices. They may actually enjoy pushing themselves to their extreme physical limits, learning how to deal with an alien culture, and even becoming an effective practitioner of the “art” of war.

But whether glorious or dreary, the war experience makes “soldiers” out of them: parts of a machine that follows through on orders, performs a task, and prepares to do it again.

And then, if we’re lucky, the warriors, the soldiers, the victims and the heroes come home. If they’re lucky, they have not suffered disastrous physical injury. But they are all profoundly affected by the experience of war.

The movie being shown at Emmanuel Episcopal Parish Hall tomorrow night, “The Welcome, A Healing Journey for War Vets and Their Families” was made at a gathering of war veterans from the conflicts in Vietnam, Iraq (1991 and 2002-present) and Afghanistan. The process depicted in the movie shows us how to welcome our sons and daughters, changed by war, back home.

As the award-winning movie producers say, “‘The Welcome’ offers a fiercely intimate view of life after war: the fear, anger and isolation of post-traumatic stress that affects vets and family members alike.

“Their examples of unflinching honesty, courage and love lift us up, inspiring all of us once again to feel our common humanity, always the first casualty of war.

“They are coming home, almost all of them, and they need us to stand up and pay attention.  They all have families.  They live in our communities.  And these men and women all, whether injured or not, have something incredibly important to offer.  If you can, hire a vet or a family member.  Offer to baby sit, buy a coffee, lend a hand, listen.  It will help all of us.” (From www.thewelcomethemovie.org)

This film speaks profoundly to war veterans and their families. It also speaks to anyone who truly wants to help those who’ve experienced horrific trauma. And more, it shows the respect, concern and healing sympathy that brings individuals fully into a community for the benefit of all.

“The Welcome’s” producers say it better: “True healing is in reconnection, understanding and acceptance on a community wide level.  Without this, veterans and their families are too often destined to remain alone, fighting memories and fears of a war long (or not so long) passed.”

These veterans, these Americans, are a part of our community. They deserve to be heard and understood and welcomed back “home.”

(The Welcome will be shown at Emmanuel Episcopal Church Parish Hall in Eastsound at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 11. Bishop Craig Anderson will introduce the film and moderate discussion following the screening. All are welcome to attend. Strong language and subject matter. )