WATCH: Santa Monica Ceremony Honors Veterans, Challenges Stereotypes
On Veterans Day, new military recruits stood in formation on the Santa Monica Pier, taking their oaths in front of a supportive crowd. The ceremony was one of many held across the country, including parades and gatherings, as communities came together to honor veterans' service and sacrifices.
For Jim Cragg, past commander of American Legion Post 283, the day holds additional meaning—and frustration. Cragg expressed concern over how veterans are often perceived. “A lot of people think of veterans as wounded warriors with PTSD,” he said. “That perception hurts a lot of veterans who proudly wore the uniform.”
Cragg explained that this stereotype can impact veterans’ job prospects, as some employers worry that veterans may have mental health challenges. Changing these views, he argued, starts with how veterans are portrayed in media, from TV and movies to news stories. For him, Veterans Day is not only about honoring service members but also an opportunity to address misunderstandings and appreciate the skills and resilience veterans bring to their communities.