But this Veterans Day, I believe we should do more than sing the

The statesman Nick Lampson once spoke with the voice of reflection and conscience: “But this Veterans Day, I believe we should do more than sing the praises of the bravery and patriotism that our veterans have embodied in the past. We should take this opportunity to re-evaluate how we are treating our veterans in the present.” In these words lies a profound admonition: true honor of those who have served does not rest merely in ceremony or rhetoric, but in the tangible care and respect we provide them in their daily lives. Bravery and patriotism, while deserving of praise, are only as meaningful as the nation’s ongoing commitment to those who bore them.

The ancients taught that courage without support is hollow, and glory without sustenance is fleeting. Soldiers who fight valiantly for their city or nation deserve not only remembrance but also attention to their needs once the battle has passed. Lampson reminds us that Veterans Day must be more than a festival of words; it must be a call to action, a moment to measure our deeds against the sacrifices of those who risked life and limb for the collective good. Honor, in its highest form, is lived and sustained.

History offers vivid examples of both neglect and care. After the American Civil War, many veterans returned home to find their needs unmet, their wounds ignored, and their service underappreciated. Only through the slow formation of pension systems and veteran hospitals did the nation begin to fulfill its debt. By contrast, the creation of the G.I. Bill after World War II honored veterans through education, housing, and opportunity, demonstrating that praise without action is insufficient. Lampson calls upon us to learn from these lessons: true respect demands practical support.

The meaning of his words is further deepened by the human dimension. Veterans do not exist as abstract symbols; they are fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, neighbors, and friends. They carry the invisible scars of battle, the weight of trauma, and the burdens of sacrifice. Patriotism is not a trophy for display—it is a responsibility for all citizens to ensure that those who fought for freedom are not abandoned once the war is over. Lampson’s insight is that moral gratitude is measured by deeds, not by words alone.

Consider the story of Desmond Doss, the conscientious objector who served as a medic during World War II and saved countless lives without carrying a weapon. His bravery was celebrated with medals and honors, yet the lasting respect owed to him required society to recognize and support him in civilian life, providing care and recognition beyond ceremonies. Lampson’s message echoes this principle: commemoration must be paired with ongoing care, lest bravery be honored in memory only, while veterans struggle in silence.

From this teaching arises a vital lesson: to truly honor veterans, one must look beyond parades and speeches to the real conditions of their lives. Do they have access to healthcare, education, employment, and housing? Are they supported in dealing with trauma, reintegration, and family life? Re-evaluating the treatment of veterans in the present is the highest form of patriotism, for it demonstrates that the nation’s commitment to those who defended it is enduring and genuine.

Practically, this calls citizens and leaders alike to act with vigilance and compassion. Volunteer with veterans’ organizations, advocate for policies that ensure comprehensive care, listen to the stories of those who served, and provide support in ways both tangible and enduring. Honor them not only on one day of the year, but in every decision that affects their well-being. By doing so, we fulfill the promise implied by their service and exemplify patriotism as an active, living principle.

Thus, Lampson’s words endure as both caution and inspiration: true respect for veterans transcends ceremony and words; it requires practical commitment and moral responsibility. Let us remember the bravery of the past, but let us also act decisively in the present, ensuring that those who fought for our freedom are never forgotten, neglected, or left to bear their burdens alone. In this way, patriotism becomes both homage and justice.