Bombs Bursting in Air!

The Fourth of July is celebrated in Malibu just as it is in every small town in the U.S. today. Parades, picnics and fireworks. But let’s not forget why we are celebrating Independence Day, and take a moment to reflect on our dads, moms, cousins, brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends who have served in the armed forces over many years since 1812, the real reason we celebrate the Fourth of July. 

My uncle Jack Lietz served with the Navy during the attack on Pearl Harbor. My husband's father, also named Marshall Thompson (now deceased), was a Navy captain (pictured). And let’s celebrate all our men and women currently serving in the war-torn countries of Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere who cannot enjoy the fireworks tonight, but are experiencing unfriendly fireworks.

Our veterans need our help. Many suffer from traumatic brain injuries and post traumatic stress disorder. It's a tough world for the men who serve our country. 

My friend Shad Meshad, president of the National Veterans Foundation, wrote the following to help us remember, celebrate and do something wonderful to commemorate the Fourth of July.

Rockets' Red Glare

Fireworks light the sky on the Fourth of July. The "rockets' red glare" celebrates our triumph in the American Revolution. Yet that phrase was penned with British "bombs bursting in air" over Fort McHenry in 1812. Independence is not easily won, nor easily kept.

As this year's fireworks lift our hearts, let's recall the personal independence that so many veterans sacrificed to preserve the independence of our nation. For the wounded—and for families who lost loved ones at war—Fourth of July fireworks carry painful reminders of freedom's tragic price. This holiday honors the dreams and freedoms our troops defend, yet many veterans have precious little personal independence to celebrate. As hot dogs and burgers sputter on the grill, anyone can lose sight of the pain of the veterans to whom we owe our independence.

Thundering fireworks mock the voices of veterans on the verge of despair, the cry of a mother for someone to help her son, the plea of an Iraq veteran for help to feed his family. War is always cruel, but apathy and inaction toward veterans compounds the misery. With less than 1 percent of America under arms, our troops and veterans can become invisible. Their problems grow progressively worse, even as groups like the National Veterans Foundation sound the alarm.

Many vets aren't treated for devastating brain wounds and post-traumatic stress disorder. Unemployment among young veterans doubles that among other Americans. Imagine giving so much for America, only to learn the economy has no place for you. That's injustice, not independence!

Government errors in claims from disabled veterans persist at incredibly high levels. Backlogs of waiting veterans keep growing longer. Veterans cannot get on with life. Savings run out, stress runs high, marriages crumble and poverty and despair take over.

While homelessness is down in many places, veteran homelessness is rising in some cities; 70,000 homeless vets will watch the fireworks from underpasses, park benches and lonely streets. Thousands of miles away, 2011 is set to become the deadliest year in Afghanistan.

On a holiday, people don't want to dwell on harsh realities. And its true, the Fourth of July is a celebration. But if America hides her eyes from painful truths, she'll look right through our veterans. It's easier to look away. Yet we who value freedom must face the pain that haunts our heroes! Together, we can use the spark of this holiday to fire compassion. Let's get concrete:

• If you influence hiring decisions, remember that jobs are crucial to our youngest veterans.
• Thank our troops when you see them in uniform.
• Check the National Veterans Foundation's website to learn how you can volunteer.
• And support causes like NVF financially.

These gestures of loyalty are important. If our veterans keep going unnoticed, the dreams of heroes will burst and fade like fireworks in the night.

Learn more by visiting http://www.nvf.org and http://www.OpResUSA.com