Northeast Wisconsin has always been good to veterans. While many communities only want us one day of the year while we’re cleaned up on Veterans Day, there are great organizations here doing the work 24/7/365.

Which is why I was happy to see Appleton considering a concept that would rename Memorial Park to Veterans Memorial Park (story HERE). They would move some of the memorials from around town to the park and honor those who have fought in the more recent conflicts. They’ve already got a smaller veterans park. This would be an improvement.

If you’re a struggling veteran like myself, you’ve got to deal with homelessness, no dental care, and suicide numbers that still need to come down. All of this starts with transition services that leave us weak during our most vulnerable time after leaving the military. Some of us never find our way.

So, an improved park in one of the nicest communities you can find is a positive development in what is a life that begins with the honor of serving your country and often ends in abrupt tragedy or staring down a long path of regrets, realizing that you never figured it out.

Appleton leaders should approve this concept. And use it as a hub to raise awareness about the challenges we face when we wake up in the morning.

Because people usually only want us when the photographs will play well in the reflection of their own image. Not when we’re struggling to figure out what is our purpose when we take off the uniform for the final time.