Veterans Day reminds us to make connections with veterans for their sacrifices | Opinion
Honor their sacrifices
Note: The writer represents Bullets and Bandaids, an organization that helps veterans through written and visual arts.
As we observe Veterans Day, we are reminded of the immense sacrifices made by those who have served our country. It is a day to honor their bravery, dedication and the profound impact they have had on our lives.
Beyond the ceremonies and parades, Veterans Day is also a call to action for all of us.
Our veterans have given so much, and it is our duty to support them in their journey toward healing and reintegration.
One powerful way to do this is through the arts and community engagement. Art has a unique ability to heal. It provides a medium for expression, allowing veterans to process and communicate their experiences in ways that words alone cannot.
Community involvement, on the other hand, fosters a sense of belonging and support, which is crucial for veterans as they navigate life after service.
Across the country, numerous organizations and initiatives are dedicated to helping veterans through art and community programs.
These efforts not only aid in their healing but also bridge the gap between veterans and civilians, fostering understanding and empathy.
This Veterans Day, let us all take a moment to reflect on how we can contribute. Whether it’s volunteering with a local organization, attending events that support veterans or simply reaching out to a veteran in your life, every action counts.
By coming together as a community, we can create a supportive environment where veterans feel valued and understood. Let us honor their sacrifices by committing to actions that make a real difference in their lives.
Justin Williams, Columbia
Applause for vaping rules
Congratulations to the City of Forest Acres for prioritizing residents’ health by limiting the number of vape shops and their placement in the city.
In locations marketed as vape shops, it is common to sell additional products not regulated or approved by any credentialed health or safety organization.
Most egregious is the marketing toward our youth/young adults who frequently begin using these products and/or begin their sales careers in schools.
Ask any middle or high school leader how frequently they call the nurse or an ambulance for a student who “took something.”What might these products be? Delta-8, Kratom, Tianeptine (also known as gas station heroin), shrooms, and many more that most parents never knew existed. No parent wants their child using products that are unregulated, unscheduled, described as adulterated and/or synthetic drugs with no evidence of safety.
I hope residents will support the city’s efforts and appreciate the high bar they set for Forest Acres. Here’s hoping other jurisdictions will replicate their efforts.
Dr. Pam Imm, Lexington
Food insecurity persists
I am concerned about the rising cost of groceries, which has become significant for many families in our community.
Over the past few years, the prices of essential items such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat have increased substantially, making it difficult for people to afford a balanced and nutritious diet.
Several factors contribute to the high cost of groceries: the impact of inflation; supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and increased transportation costs.
Additionally, the ongoing effects of the pandemic have exacerbated these issues, leading to further instability in the market.
High grocery prices disproportionately affect low-income families, who often have to make tough choices between buying food and covering other essential expenses like rent and utilities.
This situation can lead to food insecurity and poor nutrition, which have long-term negative effects on health and well-being.
I believe it is crucial for policymakers to address this issue by implementing measures to stabilize food prices and support local food production such as encouraging community gardens and farmers’ markets.
Dominick Reed, Gaston
