Vets Alone: Reach out to advocacy groups to help a veteran

We talk a lot about honoring our veterans. We have special days set aside, we have parades and well-attended ceremonies. We have candlelight vigils and public prayers. We say "thank you for your service" almost automatically. Many donate to Wounded Warriors and other veteran-centered charities. We get outraged when we hear about veterans not receiving the care and tretament their service earned them.

All of that is fine. The good intentions are evident. We aren't knocking any of it. Keep it up.

Still, many veterans are overlooked. They just fall through the cracks of society. Some suffer even up to the end of their lives.

The Fayetteville National Cemetery in Washington County, Ark., sees quite a few of those vets. Some were homeless. Some just outlived or were estranged from their families. Usually they have nothing when their final breath comes.

They sometimes end up as "unclaimed bodies" in the county coroner's office. If no one steps up, the county pays for cremation and burial. A federal program provides a small amount-around $300- covering the cost for those who qualify for burial in the Fayetteville National Cemetery.

We imagine this scenario is common across the country-even right here in the Twin Cities. A veteran dies with no one. The city, county or state steps in. It's sad to think about, but it's probably inevitable for some. Yes for some, but not all.

We only forget those in death whom we forget in life. Maybe we should ask ourselves why many veterans live and die alone on the streets or in their homes. And what we can do about it.

We don't have all the answers. We doubt anyone does. But here's an idea. If you know of a homeless vet or one living alone, contact one or more of the veteran advocacy groups in our area. They are dedicated and eager to do what they can, but there's not much they can do if the veteran shies away and someone doesn't contact them. It's no magic bullet, but it's a start.

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