We owe our veterans an apology

As we pondered Veteran’s Day, we were all encouraged to thank a veteran for their service — and rightly so. They have given to me what I could not possibly have done for myself and their sacrifices must never be forgotten. However, something else ought to be said to our veterans. We need to say “I am sorry.”

I am sorry that our country put you into unwinnable wars with no clear goals, no end in sight. I am sorry that our country spit on you when you returned from Vietnam. I am sorry we poisoned you with Agent Orange. I am sorry we did not give you the medical attention you need. I am sorry that we did not recognize, understand, or treat those of you with PTSD.

Today, I am sorry that our country is abandoning democracy, the democracy you bled for, the democracy we almost lost for the Big Lie. I pray that our veterans can find it in their heart to forgive us, even if we don’t deserve forgiveness.

DANIEL J. HALEY

Sandpoint