Capitalizing the Word "Veteran" is Not Just About the Correct Punctuation of a Proper Noun...It's About a Title Earned.

Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen have given selflessly to this nation with honor and dignity around the globe. They’ve provided countless hours of training and fulfilled deployments while missing birthdays, holidays and family events. Some have experienced the horrors of war, the pain of injuries, and endured mental and physical hardships, many of which occur or continue long after their formal military service is done.

Many have sealed their valor at the cost of their lives. In a similar vein, far too many, in the aftermath of military service, have lost hope of a better horizon and become discouraged enough to take their own lives.

Each of these valiant individuals earns a title when they exit their service. They are given the title of Veteran.

Marines earn the title of “Marine” when they cross the Parade Deck on graduation day. Forever after, the title of Marine is capitalized and acknowledged as a proper noun.

The word “veteran,” however, is not currently acknowledged as a proper noun or title when we speak of a person or group who’s served in the military.

A growing body of U.S. citizens are increasingly concerned about this omission. Of all we can and must do to honor and support these individuals who’ve honored and supported our country so well, one of the immediate and most elemental is to make the honor of their title inherent. In referring to every Veteran, both living and dead, we can magnify the honor we show for the valor and sacrifice by regarding their role with full respect and honor for the title they hold.

We need to regard the title of “Veteran” as a proper noun that demonstrates our respect with a capital “V.” This one step, embodied in style guides, dictionaries and usage rules throughout the world will demonstrate, fundamentally and inherently, our acknowledgement for all who hold the title of Veterans, in every sense of the word.

Please join me and all who are aligned by publishing this statement on social media, signing this petition and by adopting this usage in every communication you make. As a Veteran and former Marine who has lived these experiences deeply, as a business owner and as a U.S. citizen, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.

Sincerely yours,

Semper Fi!

 

Patch Baker

 

How it all started:

I was recently interviewed for an article on Entrepreneur and was talking about my experiences in the military and how they relate to business. After my article was submitted, the Editorial team made "corrections" to change "Veterans" to "veterans" stating the AP Stylebook did not allow for the capitalization of the word.

After further discussion, they released the article with the following disclaimer:

"Editor’s Note: The word “Veteran” was capitalized throughout this article because Patch believes it should be. “Veteran” should be a proper title because the title is earned, and Patch is leading the charge to make it so."

Article Link:

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/342630

This put me on a mission to make a change. Thank you for your support.