It’s Memorial Day, the day we in the States observe to commemorate those who have died in military service to our country. I’m sitting here with M as we await the parade which comes up the street on the way to the ceremony at the VFW.
Those who commit to military service do not only suffer and die on the battlefield. NECN is running a documentary this week entitled Hidden Wounds. Among the stories told in this documentary is the tale of Jeff Lucey, whose family appeared on Keri’s show on WSAR on Friday. From the page I linked:
And, it spotlights Jeff Lucey of Belchertown, MA who joined the Marine Reserves as a high school senior in 1999. He spent a year as a truck driver in Iraq, returning home in 2003. He drank heavily and became increasingly despondent. His parents tried to get the Veterans Administration to commit him and treat him for post-traumatic stress disorder, (PTSD) but the VA refused to do so until Jeff Lucey stopped drinking. He committed suicide at age 23. His parents are now activists trying to ensure adequate government funding for PTSD treatment.
While you’re enjoying the day, think about those that have served our country. And think about those who need our help when they return from where we have sent them.
Posted by James at May 29, 2006 10:26 AMMy own thought is, "think about civilians killed in war." There isn't a lot of glory in having your home bombed. Just statistics.
Posted by: Maggie at May 30, 2006 10:59 AMSo, because he turned to drink as a way of coping with PTSD, they refused to help him? WTF.
Posted by: briwei at May 30, 2006 6:11 PM