By Aunjolay Lambert |Staff Writer|

Almost four years ago while running for President, Obama said he would bring the troops home from Iraq. Now Obama is promising the troops a lot more than just returning home; he is promising the support that the veterans and troops deserve.

I love the fact that Obama is willing to give service men and women more support because our nation hasn’t really been giving veterans the respect that they deserve.

Obama used a Memorial Day ceremony to say it is time for America to properly welcome home the veterans and show them respect and gratitude for the things they’ve done.

Showing respect is the least we should do as Americans, seeing as though we sleep in peace because of the men and women who protect us. Gratitude should also be given because of the the selflessness they have for their jobs.

Some of these veterans come home and are not able to find jobs, while others are having a hard time coping with the psychological stress the war has placed on them.

“It’s unfair for the troops to come home to nothing when they risked their lives to make sure the American people are okay. I applaud my father for what he’s done for me and others,” said student Stephanie Louis.

I agree with Obama that when the troops come home they should be shown gratitude and respect from Americans.
As the daughter of a former Marine I know its gets hard, especially now with the economy we’re in. When I was younger I never saw anyone show my dad respect when he was in uniform but I always thought he deserved it.

The veterans and troops risk their lives for people who don’t even know them but they do it anyway, even though they have families of their own.

To show our appreciation I suggest parades be thrown when the troops come home in all states. Not a big parade that’s a block long but a short, small ceremony that the troops and their families can enjoy.

Since the government spends so much money on military spending anyway, why not have a small parade in each state where there’s food, entertainment, and games for the troops and their families to enjoy?

Also, I think the government should give the troops and veterans that come home a housing allowance for them and their families. These men and women dedicate their lives to our country– the least we can do is ensure them a place to live.

Not only should the troops and veterans feel appreciated, they should feel loved by America when they come home. “The troops deserve a lot for what they do for our country and I’m glad Obama is taking the time out to support the troops, because it seems like most people don’t care” said Jessica Scott, a former navy recruit.

I’m sure people do care about the veterans and what they’ve done for our country. I think that we as Americans have a strange way of showing our appreciation for the men and women who risk their lives so that we can be safe.

So when we see service men and women we should smile or shake their hand to make them feel appreciated.