November 1, 2022
PUBLISHER’S CORNER
By Eloise Graham
Veterans Day
Veterans Day is unique in that it states the exact hour of celebration… “On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month…” This holiday was first called Armistice Day. It was established after World War I to remember the “war to end all wars.” The cease fire occurred in Europe at 11:00 am on November 11, 1918. The eleventh hour quote is attributed to General Pershing who had committed to the men and women of World War II, that time would not dim the glory of their deeds. We should especially remember them on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
We now remember all veterans of any war or conflict or any vet that has served in time of peace. Our gratitude is only a small part of what we should do, and we should do this at all times…not just in November.
Many veterans return back to civilian life completely changed. Some have external visible physical wounds. All have psychological wounds of some kind. There is a local not-for-profit organization that helps homeless veterans and offers veterans assistance.
Let me ask you, what do you consider “a homeless vet?” According to Gloria Menzer from Bridging the Gap, a homeless vet is one who does not have a roof over their head, that they, with or without assistance pays for. Yes, there are homeless on the streets and under the bridges, right here in the Quad Cities. There are many vets that stay with friends and relatives, moving around between places, or vets that are staying in shelters. They are also homeless. They have no place to call home. However, the government definition might surprise you. For their purposes, they claim that only those living on the streets are considered homeless. So many of our heroes have fallen through the cracks.
Bridging the Gap Stand Down was created in 2000, to help the homeless men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. No one is paid. This group is made up entirely of volunteers. Every September, they have provided a 3 day Stand Down event annually. In 2016, they started a 1 day event also, in February.
What does the term Stand Down mean? In time of war, exhausted combat soldiers requiring brief periods of rest and recovery are removed from the field of combat to a place of relative safety and security. The military term STAND DOWN is used for such action.
Here is the info to find out more about the organization and how you can help a vet.
General information: Mike Malmstrom – 309-269-2012 or Gloria Menzer 309-593-4400
Food donations: Jeannine McKee – 309-269-2495
Agency/Services/Volunteers: Gloria Menzer – 309-593-4400 or volunteer4standdown@yahoo.com
Email: volunteer4standdown@yahoo.com
Website: www.bridgingthegapqc.org
