Honor — and support — our Veterans
Dear Editor:
On Veterans Day, we honor the courageous men and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces. In Florida, home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country, we recognize the diverse backgrounds and experiences these heroes bring to our communities.
Veterans face various challenges, from adjusting to post-service careers to securing stable housing. It is our duty to ensure that these challenges are met with fairness and equality. Florida’s veterans have fought to protect our freedoms, and now we must work together to ensure their rights are protected in return.
The Florida Commission on Human Relations is committed to ensuring that all veterans, regardless of race, gender, or disability, receive the respect and opportunities they deserve. Whether it’s addressing employment discrimination or ensuring equal access to housing, the FCHR stands ready to support our veterans as they transition to civilian life.
This Veterans Day let us not only honor their service but re-commit ourselves to providing them with the support they need to thrive in our state. Whether through volunteering at local veterans’ organizations, advocating for policies that protect their rights, or simply offering a helping hand to a veteran in need, every act of support makes a difference.
Cheyanne Costilla
Executive Director, Florida Commission on Human Relations
Pardon the Turkeys
Dear Editor:
Later this month, President Joe Biden will pardon two turkeys at the White House, a symbolic gesture of mercy. Yet, every year in the U.S., over 224 million turkeys endure a far grimmer fate. These gentle birds are raised in overcrowded sheds thick with toxic fumes, their beaks and toes clipped to prevent stress-related aggression.
At just 16 weeks, they are slaughtered—throats slit, bodies dumped into boiling water for feather removal. Meanwhile, their meat, laden with cholesterol and saturated fat, poses health risks to consumers.
But there’s promising news: U.S. turkey production has declined significantly as more Americans embrace plant-based options. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate our good fortune with a cruelty-free meal—plant-based roasts, seasonal vegetables, fruits, and grains. An internet search for “vegan Thanksgiving” offers countless delicious, compassionate recipes.
Earl Prake
Kissimmee
