Two retired veterans have strong opinions of Friday’s National Day of Honour — and they aren’t keeping quiet about it.

On their drive home to the GTA Saturday afternoon, Sgt. John Tescione and Capt. Wayne Johnston spoke to the Sun to explain what the day meant to them. Both suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and now advocate for more help for veterans.

Johnston’s favourite quote is “Honour the fallen and help the living.” Both feel the second part, a crucial one, is being tossed aside.

“You want to honour them? Don’t give me an airplane flying over me,” said Tescione. “Honour the living so we never have to have this conversation again.”

“Yeah, I’ll say this, and you can write it if you want,” said Johnston. “The last refuge of a scoundrel is patriotism.

“Right now, I’m sorry, I view this prime minister and this government as scoundrels,” he added.

Both Johnston and Tescione say they appreciate the idea behind the day, but it doesn’t do much in terms of honouring Canada’s returning soldiers, who still need a lot of help, whether it be financial or health related.

Johnston believes giving returning soldiers financial security will help their mental state by giving them dignity. Tescione, on the other hand, wants more money put into giving veterans the mental health help they need.

Either way, one thing is clear. Both want veterans to receive the respect they deserve after fighting for their country.

During his speech on Friday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a promise. “And we have also come together as Canadians to make a collective promise,” he said. “And it is simply this; we will remember.”

“It’s a punchline,” said Johnston.

Tescione’s fear is that May 9 marks closure on the Afghan mission, which makes it too easy for the public and government to forget about those who still need help.

That help should be the priority – not just a day of honour.

“They think a f---ing parade is going to change my mind?” asked Johnston. “Not a f---ing chance.”