Sometimes the Best Medicine for a Veteran Is the Company of Another Veteran

Many take time on Memorial Day to remember the Americans who have given their lives in service to our country.
Sometimes the Best Medicine for a Veteran Is the Company of Another Veteran
World War II veterans on May 20, 2016. Matt Cardy/Getty Images
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Many take time on Memorial Day to remember the Americans who have given their lives in service to our country.

For veterans and their families, that sentiment of remembrance is felt year-round. Many veterans suffer lifelong anguish over the loss of their brothers and sisters in arms. For them, Memorial Day is a day like every other day – a day they remember those who died at war.

This shared grief is just one way some veterans are affected by their military service. Veterans are also molded by military culture – a unique set of values, traditions, language and even humor. Military culture has unique subcultures, but it has enough consistency across different branches, ranks and time periods to make most veterans feel a kinship.

Recognizing this kinship has led veteran service and health care organizations to encourage veterans to build trusting relationships and support each other. Researchers have learned that veterans are more likely to share personal information and ask advice about many things, including health care, from fellow veterans. That’s why the VA offers employment to veterans as peer specialists.

An adult scout salutes after placing a flag as Boy and Girl Scouts placed thousands of flags on veteran's graves at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in honor of Memorial Day, Friday, May 27, 2016, in Wrightstown N.J. (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
An adult scout salutes after placing a flag as Boy and Girl Scouts placed thousands of flags on veteran's graves at Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in honor of Memorial Day, Friday, May 27, 2016, in Wrightstown N.J. AP Photo/Mel Evans
Elisa Borah
Elisa Borah
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