The Fourth of July is a great time of year to celebrate friends, family, and beautiful weather. Personally it’s my favorite holiday because of these things; and I’ve always been a sucker for a good fireworks display. But what does this day really mean to me? What do those thunderous colored streaks in the sky represent? The birth of a wonderful nation. July 4, 1776- a date every American should know. I am definitely no history buff but I know that one!
My Parents, My Pride
My mom and my dad joined the Army Reserves shortly after they graduated high school. They only grew up 150 miles apart, but it took 
them over 4,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to meet at the American military base in Boebligen, Germany. A few years later, they married and started a family as my dad continued to serve and eventually retire from over 20 years of service in the Army National Guard. So while I never joined the military, I grew up with it all around me. We have been very fortunate.
The Sad Truth
Veterans serve our country with honor, and because of them we enjoy our freedom. But unfortunately due to poverty, lack of support from family and friends, substance abuse or mental health issues, unstable living conditions, or other reasons, over 67,000 US veterans do not have a home to go to on any given night. Many other veterans are considered at risk of homelessness. In one year, nearly 145,000 veterans spend at least one night in an emergency shelter.
Help for the Homeless
Talbert House was proud to serve over 400 veterans last year. Most of these veterans were served at the Mt. Airy Center, which is a homeless shelter for men where approximately half are veterans. Talbert House helps these men with substance abuse and mental health issues get back on their feet while providing temporary shelter until they are able to secure a job and proper living arrangements.
If you haven’t heard, Talbert House is relocating the shelter to a better location where an expected 70 men will be served. With the VA, public transportation, and community services and employment opportunities nearby, the new location will be ideal for these veterans and men of Cincinnati.
Thanks.
I’m truely honored to be a part of an organization that is able to help make a difference in the lives of those who have made great sacrifices for mine. As we celebrate the birth of our nation this week, don’t hesitate to stop a service man or woman in uniform and offer a ”thanks” for all they do.
Resources: www.va.gov Talbert House Relocates Mt. Airy Center 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) — 24/7 hotline for Homeless Veterans
Thank you for your post and thanks to all military active and veterens! I also love Independance day! We celebrate every year with a huge pool party. This year my father spent two days preparing food. He made his own BBQ sauce and spent 15 hours smoking a huge brisket! It was delicious. He out did himself this year! It was a great party and I can’t wait till next year! Maybe I will top it off this weekend with a trip to the Dayton Air Show!
What a great way to celebrate the holiday. Your father sounds like he sure knows what he’s doing and got his routine down. We hope you enjoyed every minute you got to spend with your family and friends.
Just getting around to reading this – really good Crystal. My parents have a similar story so I can relate (one from Nebraska – the other from Chicago and they met in El Salvador). My dad was a Marine and I have two nephews in the Marines, another nephew and a niece in the Army reserves. I am so proud of all of them (three have been deployed in the middle-east) and agree that we should support them in any way we can.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Thank you, Phyllis. That’s very interesting to know about you! Isn’t it wonderful to have these great people in our lives who are willing to fight or have fought for our freedom? Much respect goes out to your family for those who enlisted and the ones who supported them.
Thanks for sharing!