On this Veterans Day, we honor and remember the men and women who have worn the uniform of our great nation, Americans who at critical moments stepped forward and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution and laws against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Veterans Day is a vitally significant day. It is a day to speak up for those who put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans – a day to remember and renew our commitments to these brave men and women. We use this day to show our appreciation for our armed forces: Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen.
Today, more than 20 million veterans are home in America. They are our families, friends, neighbors, and, in our case at the Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), our close associates and co-workers. Far too many of our veterans are struggling to overcome the trauma of combat. Some have become disabled for life. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice. All who served have given up some of the best years of their lives. We must never forget their service and sacrifice.
We also thank our future veterans, serving at home and abroad. To those serving around the world today or transitioning out of the military, we are here for you.
We salute the spirit of the American service member and we honor the sacrifices of those who fulfilled their obligations and now proudly call themselves American veterans.
One impressive example of such courage and sacrifice from within our BVA ranks is Eric Marts, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom who sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury and eventually experienced a total loss of vision from an Improvised Explosive Device while serving in Iraq.
Although no longer serving on active duty, Eric’s embodiment of the Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage as a resilient blinded veteran are now directed toward his fellow veterans. Please (CLICK HERE) to learn more about Eric’s dedication to serving his fellow veterans using the Army values as his guiding principles.
To my fellow veterans everywhere and those who support and care for them, thank you. May God bless you and may Veterans Day and every day bring you joy in the freedoms you have helped preserve through your noble sacrifices.
Donald D. Overton, Jr.
Executive Director
Blinded Veterans Association