Remembering Our Veterans

. . . and how to help

There's absolutely no way to quantify the experience of military personnel and families in a way that can do justice to the hardship, the stress, and the inescapable sacrifice inherent in military service -- especially in the context of war and conflict.

Today -- the 55th anniversary of the national holiday -- we honor and thank the courageous veterans who've served our country. It's a commitment that we, as a country, need to remember throughout the year -- to the veterans of previous wars and to the men and women who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This year, Congress passed the new GI Bill which survived a threatened presidential veto and was signed into law on June 30. If you are a veteran, you can use the benefits calculator at the site to see what passage of the bill means for you.

Today, C.W. Nevius in the SF Chronicle, discussed the plight of homeless veterans in the city. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans deals with issues and policies affecting homeless vets.

The San Francisco VA Medical Center website has health information and resources for veterans, as well as information on how others can volunteer or contribute to the medical center. You can also see the National Veterans Foundation for additional information and veterans resources.

The website for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has an extensive list of organizations dedicated to helping troops and their families. Click here for a list of those organizations -- see where you can help, where you can donate, where you can provide much needed support. Rachel Maddow today featured a representative from IAVA discussing a variety of issues, including new PSAs you can view at the website.

Iraq War Veterans, Inc provides resources on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), support groups, and information for those dealing with the trauma and aftermath of war.

Also check out PTSD Combat, a site from citizen journalist Ilona Meagher which deals with issues that face returning veterans. She also provides a list of resources under her "Where to Turn" section.

The Military Times has records of those who have fought and died in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

^{Flag bearers at Arlington National Cemetery
Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images}