The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate America’s independence. As part of this, it’s a good idea to keep U.S. veterans in mind. Veterans put themselves at risk of serious injuries, illnesses, and death to defend America. Further, many older veterans are at risk of a cancer called mesothelioma due to military asbestos exposure. Learn how you can honor veterans with mesothelioma this Independence Day.
Shared Histories: July Fourth and Military Asbestos Exposure
July 4, 1776, marks the day when the 13 original colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence and founded the United States of America. Ever since, Independence Day has been celebrated annually and became a federal holiday in 1941 — a year that also coincided with widespread military asbestos use.
The U.S. military started to use asbestos, a highly durable material, back in the 1930s. By World War II, every military branch heavily relied on asbestos in ships, bases, vehicles, and more. Military use of asbestos continued through the early 1980s.
The general public didn’t know the dangers of asbestos at first, as makers of asbestos-based products hid the risks for decades. However, asbestos is now known to cause mesothelioma, a life-threatening cancer, decades after exposure. A third of all mesothelioma patients today are veterans as a result.
During this year’s Fourth of July festivities, take time to celebrate with veterans in your life. All U.S. veterans deserve our respect for putting their lives on the line to protect our country.
Further, U.S. veterans with mesothelioma deserve military benefits, medical aid, and compensation. Access all three right now with our help.
Highlighting Aid for U.S. Veterans With Mesothelioma on July Fourth
July Fourth is an important time to keep U.S. veterans in mind — especially those with service-related disabilities like mesothelioma.
Thankfully, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a lot of benefits available to veterans with mesothelioma.
Key mesothelioma VA benefits include:
- Free or low-cost mesothelioma treatments from top doctors
- Financial aid for next of kin and survivors
- Monthly compensation often worth nearly $4,000
Veterans with mesothelioma can also pursue even more compensation through private claims, also known as mesothelioma lawsuits, filed against makers of asbestos-containing products. These claims can award over $1 million and are not filed against the government.
How to Honor July Fourth With Veterans
There are plenty of activities to help you celebrate the holiday and honor the veterans in your life.
Some activities may include:
- Hosting cookouts: Barbecues with friends and family are a staple of Independence day festivities. Celebrate veterans with special thanks during the event, making their favorite food, or simply just talking with them about their service.
- Seeing parades: In the morning or late afternoon, parades are often making their way through your towns. Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and mobility aids so the veterans in your life can join in on the fun.
- Watching fireworks shows: Almost every city will have a special fireworks display for everyone to celebrate and remember America’s history. Check in with the veterans in your life to see if they would like to go. For those who may not be able to attend in person, live streams of fireworks are available.
These are just a few ways you can celebrate and include veterans on July Fourth. This can help them feel loved and supported while also allowing them to celebrate as well.
We Are Here for Veterans With Mesothelioma
On July Fourth and every day, the Mesothelioma Veterans Center commends veterans for serving our country. It is their service that allows us the freedoms we have today.
We are proud to help veterans with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases in any way we can. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us today to see how we can help you find treatment and apply for VA benefits.
We wish everyone a wonderful and safe Fourth of July.
