Treasure 
The veterans, or old soldiers as they are fondly called, remain an integral part of our society. They remain and are an exciting group of people to be with. When you happen to come across them, you will notice they love to tell compelling stories and share their experiences in the military.
Veterans are always very friendly and often enjoy hanging out with their fellow veterans. Whenever I see or think of them, these always cross my mind…
“Many people dislike the military, some like it but can’t be part of it, but someone has to do the job.” These men and women did that job that most people couldn’t. They served their fatherland in honor with love, strength, and faith”.
But…
Some feel abandoned and dejected that their youthful days were spent serving the country with nothing to show for it other than their “OLD RUSTY MEDALS” though they still cherish and are proud to adorn it on special occasions.
There is no doubt that they all loved the job and gave their all. This can be attested to by the glint in their eyes and the joy you can see when they recall or recount the stories of their days in uniform to any listening ear.
Other than this, What do most veterans have to show for their sacrifices to the nation?
Though some countries have departments tailored towards taking care of veterans, how well have they fared in doing that?
One veteran once told me, “It’s not all about the annual parade held to remember both those who are gone and those still living but how their conditions can be improved.”
This line of thought set me thinking again about what also becomes of the immediate families of those long gone?
I can also remember the discussion I had with the widow of a soldier who died in the duty line. It was quite revealing and thought-provoking as she claimed the service had long forgotten them and that if her husband had not joined the military, maybe he would have still been alive.
Is it not justifiable to have a programme to keep tabs on the immediate families of those who paid the ultimate price for their fatherland?
Based on this line of thought, it would not be bad if records could be kept of such families and veterans to organize special events or programmes for them, including medical check-ups, empowerment programmes, and of course a SPECIAL LOAN SCHEME.
They all deserve it!
I’ve heard stories of how soldiers’ wives in other countries interested in the military were assisted, commissioned, and recruited into the army after their husbands’ deaths. I also know a bunch of soldiers’ wives who were willing to join the Nigerian military after the end of their husbands. They tried but were denied because it is so unusual here. Honestly, I feel they should be considered if they are fit since they love the job.
I wish all veterans could be given special discounts in shops, hotels, airlines, and transport companies. Employment opportunities should also be created for the younger ones and their loved ones ( as they are disciplined and can fit into any setting) as it obtains in other developed parts of the world. This can be achieved by the combined effort of the government at all levels, the organized private sector, and the military.
This will not only give the service a human face but also make the veterans and their families know that their efforts and sacrifices were all worth it.
What do you think?
