Today, at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the nation observed a minute of silence in remembrance of those who lost their lives in the WW1, WW2, in addition, to later conflicts. While we remember the fallen, known and unknown, forgotten veterans roam Britain’s streets struggling to find housing and mental health care.
Return from war is not the happy ending it is made out to be. Many veterans struggle to return to a normal civilian life after returning from the military. PTSD and substance abuse is prevalent among veterans making it difficult to sustain a job and to lead a normal life. The smallest of things like the sound of a firework can trigger horrifying flashbacks. Serious Injuries can leave families unprepared for their return.
We can all agree that these men and women who risked their lives for our country deserve better. Currently, 3-6% of those sleeping rough in London are ex-servicemen and women according to a report by the British Legion. All 407 local authorities signed the Armed Forces Covenant meaning they will support Veterans in finding housing and in 2014-2015, the government spent £40 million on projects that support Veterans. Over the past few years, no increase has been seen.
Some criticise the government for not doing enough. They claim that the 2011 Armed Forces Covenant has not worked and that immigrants are being prioritised over veterans when it comes to housing.
Whether this is the case or not, we should remember those who are often forgotten as well as those who have fallen and that both deserve the utmost respect. The Royal British Legion asks the nation to 'Rethink Remembrance' this year.
You can support the ‘Armed Forces community, past and present’ by supporting the 2017 Poppy Appeal. Learn more at www.britishlegion.org.uk/poppy-appeal-2017.
