#VeteranOfTheDay Army Veteran Sandra Cancinos

Patriot Day, a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, honors the victims of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001.

Volunteers interested in cleaning headstones in national cemeteries can sign up for a National Day of Service to be held in 65 locations Sept. 10. All volunteers interested in participating in the “National Day of Service” should sign up at Carry the Load register.

As the nation watches the military mission end in Afghanistan, VA Secretary Denis McDonough said VA is here for all Veterans who need help. Speaking Aug. 31 at the American Legion National Convention in Phoenix, the secretary specifically addressed Afghanistan Veterans.

“We as post-9/11 Veterans are very resilient and can make significant and positive contributions to society. But at the same time, our military service and the difficulties we face reintegrating to civilian life make us one of the highest-risk Veteran populations.”

When then-Army 1st Lt. Jim Riffe was preparing for the invasion of Okinawa in April 1945, he kept a small, black book. In it were the names of the 29 men he commanded. Seven would be dead within weeks. Fourteen wounded. When the now 100-year-old retired colonel prepares to celebrate the 76th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day Sept. 2, he said the names in that small, black book are what he will remember. He said remembering those names is what honors those heroes, something he advised Afghanistan Veterans to do as they deal with the news of the pullout. “Remember the individuals you served with,” Riffe said.