To All Veterans – Thanks for Your Service!

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday for remembering the servicemen and servicewomen who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

Memorial Day Weekend Holiday – Travel and Celebrations

Memorial Day is one of the biggest travel weekends of the year. In 2018, AAA predicts Memorial Day will see a near-record number of travelers; more than 41.5 million people expected to take a trip. That is nearly 5 percent more than 2017. An additional 2 million people will be traveling in planes, trains and cars.

Mattress stores and car dealerships offer huge sales for the holiday, and consumers pump billions of retail and tourism dollars into the economy. Memorial Day for most means barbeque and Black Friday-style blow out sales.

Rather than a day to honor the war dead and veterans, most see Memorial Day as the “unofficial start of summer.”

Honoring the Sacrifices of our Armed Service Members

When we remember and pay respect to veteran experience and sacrifices – we honor their service.

One of the first known public tributes to war dead was in 431 B.C., when the Athenian general and statesman Pericles delivered a funeral oration praising the sacrifice and valor of those killed in the Peloponnesian War. His speech has been compared in tone to Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

#GoSilent this Memorial Day
This Memorial Day, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America IAVA will lay a wreath before the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Following that ceremony, IAVA members will walk to Section 60 of the Cemetery, to recognize the sacrifice of those that were lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.

At 12:01 pm ET on May 28, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) are asking Americans across the country to take a moment and #GoSilent, in observance of Memorial Day. Gather your friends and family across the country and pause with us for a national moment of silence to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

From Founder and CEO of IAVA Paul Rieckhoff, “This year, as a part of an ongoing campaign to elevate the voices of veterans and combat the unprecedented politicization of our military and veterans, #GoSilent is more important than it has ever been before.”

“As veterans and our military are being used as political props and shields by special interest groups and politicians across the aisle, it has never been more important to come together as a nation to remember what this day is really about, and to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our freedoms.”

When we remember and pay respect to veteran experience and sacrifices – we honor their service.

Folds of Honor: Educational Scholarships for Spouses and Children of America’s Fallen and Disabled Service-Members

Since 2007, the Folds of Honor has carried forth a singular, noble mission: To provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service-members.

Folds of Honor has grown from a vision into a movement. The folded flag is a constant reminder of those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. It inspires us to help equip and educate their loved ones in need of our support. Thank you for embracing the call.

Yet it’s also a symbol of hope, representing the enduring ideals that make this country a beacon of democracy.  Folds of Honor chose this logo because it reflects a mission to honor the sacrifice of America’s heroes, while giving hope to the bearers of their legacy.

Honor Their Sacrifice.  Educate Their Legacy.

Folds of Honor – Mission from Folds of Honor on Vimeo.

What is Dual Diagnosis (Co-occurring Disorders)?

Medical and clinical professionals have a term for people who have both a mental heath issue (such as PTSD, depression, trauma) and an addiction problem (substance use disorder, or SUD).

The term is called Dual Diagnosis or Co-occurring Disorders. This means the individual has a combination of mental disorders (such as depression, anxiety, trauma, etc.) and addiction (to drugs or alcohol.)

Military personnel and first responders often experience trauma while performing their duties. First responders are first on the scene of disasters and emergency situations. The general public sees first responders and soldiers as a kind of Super Hero. And they are: but even super heroes need support to continue their mission.

Addiction treatment for first responders and military veterans almost always includes treatment for co-occurring disorders.

Importance of Co-occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis) Addiction Treatment

According to SAMHSA’s 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (PDF | 3.4 MB), approximately 7.9 million adults in the United States had co-occurring disorders (dual diagnosis) in 2014.

Individuals with co-occurring disorders are best served through integrated addiction treatment. With integrated treatment, practitioners can address mental and substance use disorders at the same time; providing better addiction recovery outcomes.

If you or a loved one are suffering from addiction – as well as PTSD, depression, trauma or other mental health issue: Please know that help is available to provide comprehensive, holistic and integrated addiction rehab treatment.

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Causes Serious Problems

If you or a loved one are experiencing the effects of an addiction, it is time to take the necessary steps to get help. New Start Recovery Solutions can help you with alcohol and drug rehab in Northern California and the U.S.

If PTSD or any form of mental illness is also involved (depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and more) – it is critical to make certain the recovery center you choose has Dual Diagnosis (co-occurring disorders) treatment.

New Start Recovery Solutions has access to many comprehensive addiction treatment programs in Northern California.

Contact New Start Recovery Solutions for details and more information on addiction treatment programs that will fit your needs.

And to find the program that works best for you.

Call 866-303-6275 now to inquire about how we can be of assistance.

Your Life Awaits – Make a New Start Now!

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