Veterans Day

On November 11, we observe Veterans Day.  We pause and give appreciation for all veteran service members from all military branches.  We honor them, both those that died or survived in our wars.  Typically, local schools invite veterans to honor them in gatherings, stores have huge sales, restaurants offer free meals for veterans, many have parades, there are different drawings for free items, and the list goes on.

Its origins

Veterans Day did not start out with this intention.  It was originally called “Armistice Day” because it was on November 11, 1918 that World War I ended. It was a day our nation looked back on to be thankful that the war was over and to appreciate those that served.  In 1938, legislation was passed recognizing it as such and it was “dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day.'” As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans exclusively.

Then came 1954, after the nation had fought again in Europe with World War II and fought an additional war in Korea.  The 83^rd U.S. Congress, being urged by veterans’ service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by removing the word “Armistice” and replacing it with “Veterans.”  Hence, with the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11^th became a National Holiday to honor American veterans of all wars.

Why does the observance jump around?

You may have noticed that it isn’t always celebrated on November 11^th.  That is because if the holiday falls on a non-workday (Saturday or Sunday), it is observed the following Monday.  Additionally, United States Senate Resolution 143, which was passed on August 4, 2001, designated the week of November 11 – November 17, 2001, as “National Veterans Awareness Week.” The resolution calls for educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans.

Its distinction from Memorial Day

Some confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day.  It is very simple to distinguish the two.  Memorial Day strictly observes the ultimate sacrifices that service members gave, their lives.  We remember the fallen.  Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors those that have both given their lives and more specifically honors those that are still alive that served honorably in wartime or peacetime.

My challenge to the world

This year I want you to consider that service to one’s country is what has created and maintained our great nation’s freedoms that we share.  In every war there was the horrible possibility of loss and the consequences of losing our way of life in some capacity.  Normal people from all walks of life and races took voluntary time out of their lives to defend what America is all about: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Someone had to serve!

There is a satisfaction within every veteran that knows that they fought for these ideals, and for many of us, as service members, we fight for each other, as we look at each other as the literal embodiment of the best America offers.

Veterans have taken the hard road voluntarily.  They have chosen a life of sacrifice and risk.  They realize that tomorrow is only paid for in the blood of today’s volunteer.  Veterans don’t expect gratitude or elevation.  They simply want people to enjoy and appreciate the freedoms that veterans have sacrificed to secure.

I think of the spouses that have been forced to attend to their families with long deployments.  I think of the children of military members who have moms and dads absent for months.  I think of the long hours service members put in.  I think of sacrifice.

This year consider going out of your way to thank a veteran with verbal encouragement, a note, a hug, or however you wish.  Consider educating your family with this blog.  Consider making a donation to your local VFW or Legion.  Most of all, consider the freedom that you enjoy every day and silently appreciate the veterans’ contribution to your life.

In the words of Dan Lipinski: “On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much so that we can live free.”

Happy Veterans Day.