In the year 1865, during his second inaugural address. President Abraham Lincoln made a promise. He promised all veterans that America would care for them. He promised shelter for their widows and orphans. Although Lincoln gave his speech well over a hundred years ago, America is still finding ways to make good on Lincoln’s promise. American veterans have made many sacrifices for their country and everyone in it. The least that Americans today can do show appreciation, and keep Lincoln’s promise.

So far, many courses of action have been taken to better the lives of the veterans, ranging from political involvement to cash benefits. Government also attempt to better the lives of retired soldiers. For instance, the government has created a program known as MAPR (Maximum Allowable Pension Rate), which provides cash benefits to those who have been injured in war or whom have low incomes.

While many changes have been made governmentally to benefit veterans, most of these benefits “look much better on paper than they do in practice” (vet data). For example, according to The Veteran’s Affairs web page, the MAPR of a veteran’s widow is less than the national poverty level and the MAPR of a veteran isn’t much higher. This is not how the citizens of America should honor the fallen and their families. Lincoln promised that America would care for, not only veterans, but their families as well. These people willing to fight and die for their country. They have made the sacrifices for ordinary citizens to be free. Veterans are heroes to their country. Now it’s our turn to honor them.

Although it may seem as if only one person cannot make much of a difference, there are still ways that each one of us can help keep Lincoln’s promise. People may argue that we aren’t doing enough to support American veterans. This can be changed. Each veteran is a different person. Some want to be left alone, while others want to be heard. One simple action that individuals can take is to make time to support local veterans. One can also help local veterans by encouraging them to check if they are eligible for available cash benefits. Veterans have sacrificed much for others’ freedom. We can keep Lincolns promise by remembering the people who sacrifices made for us, and honor those who have fallen. We must never forget where our freedom came from.

Sarah C. Barker is an eighth-grader at Grant Union Junior-Senior High School.