PD Editorial: The right tribute to US veterans

Is a handshake and a thank you enough? Many of those who have served in uniform, no doubt, will appreciate such acknowledgments in recognition of Veterans Day today. But for others, the debate continues as to whether some of the “Veterans Day” tributes - from fist-bumps to flyovers - have become mere routine, token acknowledgments.

We don’t know if it’s ever possible to show adequate appreciation for those who have served in the military, particularly those few still remaining who fought in World War II, which ended 70 years ago. But it’s fitting to try, even if it’s just one day out of the year.

Sonoma County is making an effort in a way that’s not likely to get a lot of attention this Veterans Day. Its emphasis isn’t on getting more flag-waving kids to the curb but getting more veterans off the street. And with the help of a local motel owner, the county is on the verge of making significant progress. As has been reported, county officials are working with the owner of the Palms Inn in south Santa Rosa to convert the 104-unit complex into permanent housing for homeless veterans and senior citizens.

Jennielynn Holmes, director of shelter and housing for Catholic Charities, said the county has roughly 217 homeless veterans. Overall, that’s down by more than 40 percent from just two years ago. The new Palms Inn Center on Santa Rosa Avenue has the potential to cut that number by at least one-third more. It’s a promising program.

As envisioned, the complex would have workers on site offering job training, financial counseling and other case-management services. Residents also would be provided with connections for treatment for substance abuse and for mental health care.

Granted, given that out of the 22 million veterans in the United States, roughly 50,000 are homeless on any given night, the numbers of those who stand to benefit are small. But, for those who do, our guess is that it will be more meaningful than a handshake or a flyover. It may be the best kind of thank you a community can offer.