On Remembrance Day we are urged to remember the sacrifices our veterans made for Canada. So it's too bad our own government isn't doing such a good job of that itself.
Traditionally on Nov. 11, we focus on the heroes of the First and Second World Wars. But there have been more wars since then - and veterans of later generations.
Today some of our youngest veterans - such as those who served in Afghanistan - are some of our most damaged, both physically and mentally.
Recent reports show diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder are rising among Afghanistan veterans, often years after their combat mission has ended.
But as the problems faced by veterans increase, the help they need is being taken away by the same government that annually intones us to never forget.
Staff in the military units supposed to help those with PTSD have had to fight against federal cutbacks.
Recently, a number of younger veterans say they've been discharged from the military because they are too disabled for 'active deployment' - just shy of qualifying for a Canadian Forces pension.
Those who have been injured say the lump-sum awards under the New Veterans Charter aren't enough to provide reasonable financial security - especially as they get older.
It's not good enough to consider our veterans through sentimental lenses one week of the year. They need real, practical help the other 51 weeks as well.
As a nation, we asked them to go to war. When they returned, we haven't always kept our end of the bargain.
We owe them so much more.
