Statistics

“Homeless women veterans and homeless veterans with children are two terribly vulnerable groups that are growing by the day.”
- Senator Pat Murray (State of Washington)

A Long Road Back

I learned something today. I have always known that large numbers of Veterans become homeless from every war, including our recent wars. I never stopped to realize the numbers in terms of women veterans with children and the number of men veterans with children in addition to the number of homeless women veterans with no children. I just always had the image of homeless veterans being men only. I asked that you read : this link that was published today and try to keep personal politics out of it – but do see it in terms of individuals who need to be urged not to block the bill. On those who are blocking the bill or citizens who want the bill blocked, I urge that you find a homeless woman veteran – who has put her life on the line for your security – and go talk to her and her children – not to feel shame but to truly understand the effects of homelessness and the long struggle ‘climbing’ out, once you become homeless. Talk to the children and truly listen to their way of life, and their feeling shame because with no fault of their own, they are different in the eyes of other children. Also, truly listen to ‘see’ their stamina, their hopes, and their strong ‘spirit’ in living each day.

A Young Tree with Hopes

I found it heartening to observe Virginia’s ranking in helping homeless children. In previous months I have passed through states with the lowest and low rankings in their efforts to remember the most forgotten in their states. Virginia ranks 19 in overall (with 1 being best). This was truly welcome.

Here is one more site that is simple, clear and to the facts of famous people from Virginia and the facts of the State itself. For those who do not read the links, I feel obligated to mention the eight presidents from the state of Virginia – very impressive!

“Virginia is home to more United States Presidents than any other state. The Presidents said to have been from Virginia include George Washington (1st President), Thomas Jefferson (2 terms, 3rd President), James Madison (Father of the Constitution, and 4th President) and James Monroe (5th President). Four out of five of the very first Presidents of the United States were from Virginia. Other Virginian Presidents include Woodrow Wilson (28th President), William Henry Harrison (9th President, died one month after his Inaugural Address), John Tyler (became President after Harrison died, he had been Vice-President), and Zachary Taylor (12th President).”

There is much History in Virginia, past and present. I will soon be leaving for Manassas, Virginia. I had planned to stop at the city of Dumfries when I soon realized it was the home of the Marines – Quantico Center. All prices at any motel were extremely high – really high – and my first thought was how tough that is on the Marines. I discovered the military gets an excellent rate and anyone else visiting pays higher. That is fair enough as the choice is in our hands. I am not stopping. But I discovered the city’s website included much history to my delight.

My blog started off highlighting Veterans and my rainbow picture includes those who served and to those who are presently serving no matter what I feel in regard to wars. So to them and all at Quantico Center:

May Rainbows Follow You

Now I took that rainbow in Midlothian, Virginia after a very strong storm passed through the area. I did feel the storm should have left a stronger rainbow, though whatever intensity, a rainbow is remarkable to me.

I will be leaving this area tomorrow to continue on Hwy 360 East to Route 1 on my way north. My huge interest in Manassas is to visit my cousin, Kathy, who I haven’t seen in sixty years or so. How exciting is that!

Happiness

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