On Veterans Day, traditionally America honors the men and women who have faithfully served our country in past wars. They deserve our thanks, and it's fitting to pay tribute to them by looking back upon their service while they are still with us.

But we'd also like to call special attention to the sacrifices of people in the military today, and recognize that we must do our best to take care of their needs when they come home, wounded either physically or mentally.

President Barack Obama, speaking Tuesday at a memorial service for 13 soldiers who were killed by a gunman at Fort Hood, Texas, made some poignant remarks about Veterans Day. "As we honor the many generations who have served, I think all of us -- every single American -- must acknowledge that this generation has more than proved itself the equal of those who have come before," he said. "We need not look to the past for greatness, because it is before our very eyes."

But sometimes it has been hidden. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have gone on so long, their places on the front page have usually been taken by other events unless there's been a particularly horrific battle. Unlike Vietnam, the first televised war, there aren't daily reminders of the conflicts for most of us unless one has a family member or friend in harm's way.

Yet someday these wars too will be over, and all of these veterans -- many of whom have done multiple tours of duty in war zones -- must adjust to life back home. The measure of how we welcome this generation won't be in the number of parades held in their honor, but in the quality of the services we provide to help heal them.

Doctors are used to treating physical wounds. But mental injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression, are often more difficult to diagnose and treat.

A RAND Corporation study last year estimated that 20 percent of the troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer some form of PTSD. Other experts have claimed the figure is closer to 30 percent. Only about half seek treatment on their own.

"There is a major health crisis facing those men and women who have served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan," said RAND researcher Terri Tanielian. Her colleague Lisa Jaycox added, "Drug use, suicide, marital problems and unemployment are some of the consequences. There will be a bigger societal impact if these service members go untreated."

RAND estimated that PTSD and depression among returning service members will cost the nation as much as $6.2 billion in the two years following deployment -- an amount that includes both direct medical care and costs for lost productivity and suicide.

While the Department of Veterans Affairs has made mental health services a priority, not all veterans are getting the mental help they need. RAND found that of veterans who sought care, roughly half got treatment that was described as "minimally adequate."

Many veterans worry about the side-effects of medication, or that their careers could be placed in jeopardy. "Seeking mental health treatment should be seen as a sign of strength and interest in getting better, not a weakness," Tanielian said. "People need to get help as early as possible, not only once their symptoms become severe and disabling."

We owe it to our veterans to take care of them -- body and mind.