Image via: Youtube
We all hear about the millions of military veterans, who were brave enough to fight for our country and are lucky enough to survive, only to return home haunted by their
experiences.
Transitioning back to civilian life is often difficult, whether it is having to deal with physical trauma and injuries, and/or the psychological ramifications of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many of us have had the occasion to thank a vet for his or her service, but often we may not even know that an individual has served.
In the video you are about to watch below, Lourdes Gonzalez, a US Army vet who served in Iraq, offers insight into her experience at war. Her words were deeply touching and offered some profound perspectives. She emotionally discusses how much it means to her, when people express gratitude for her service. In so doing, we learn about the “GREENLIGHT A VET” initiative, which has provided a simple, but effective means for a more comprehensive way for all of us to say thank you to our vets.
The idea is to display a single visible green light, on a porch, or window that faces the street. The green light provides a universal symbol of our gratitude, for the incredible bravery of our vets, both during and after facing the ravages of war.
Additionally, the color green which has been associated with health and prosperity, is doubly symbolic of what we all wish for them, in their lives going forward. The website for this initiative also makes note that “Giving the Green Light” is a saying that explicitly connotes forward motion.
Listen, as Lourdes expresses her deep appreciation when she sees a green light shining from peoples’ homes; it tells her ” ‘I care. I may not know how to say it, but I care.’ ”
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