Charter Senior Living honors service men and women on Veterans day
BOWLING GREEN, KY.- Charter Senior Living and Hospice of Southern Kentucky came together to honor and support veterans in the region. The event highlights the remarkable sacrifices made by those who served in multiple wars across various branches of the military, including the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and as military nurses and many other branches.
Lieutenant General (Retired) Steven Basham, U.S. Air Force, shared a powerful message with the attendees. He says, “When you meet a veteran and you say thank you for serving, remember that veteran has a story.”
One retired nurse at the event, Jeanette Wand, who served in both the U.S. Air Force and Army. For her, Veterans Day holds extra significance, because it’s also her birthday. She tells us, “I think for those that sacrificed limbs and horrible things that happened to them that still lived, I just don’t think you can do enough for them because they really gave it all.”
Veterans are not only national heroes but also serve as inspiration for future generations. Joe Harland, a retired Special Forces veteran, spoke about how his father’s service in World War II motivated him to enlist. “I just wanted to follow in his footsteps,” Harland shared, emphasizing the powerful legacy of service that runs through military families.
For most military families, the sacrifices go beyond the battlefield. Cathy Brunn, a mother of a soldier, described the daily fear she experienced while her son was deployed. Cathy says, “I cried and cried because I was wondering if I was going to get the call saying he’s gone…” This caused an emotional toll because she knew her loved one could be in harm’s way.
As civilians, we may never fully understand the pain and trauma that veterans endure, but it’s clear that these brave men and women deserve not only physical support but emotional care as well. Many veterans return home with scars that are not visible to the eye, and that’s where community support becomes vital.
Joe Harland also emphasizes the importance of community solidarity, noting that it’s essential for the country to “get together and work towards each other.” He emphasized that the sacrifices of soldiers are profound, and their contributions should never be overlooked.
This ceremony serves as a reminder that Veterans Day is not just a holiday but a time to reflect on the ongoing needs of veterans and their families. As we honor these courageous individuals, it’s important that we continue to offer them the emotional and physical support they deserve long after they retire from active service.
