Veterans Day draws our attention to a distinct and extraordinary group of people. Many times, you can recognize a Veteran by their clothing, especially a hat. Veterans have distinct, heartfelt, and oftentimes emotional camaraderie attachments to “war buddies.” Some may want to tell you their war stories; some will not talk about their experiences at all. Some may feel detached from their family, community, or even society; they do not feel understood. This Veterans Day, if you see a Veteran who appears detached or lonely, reach out to them and help them if you can. You can even refer them to an agency or charitable group that can assist. Do not be afraid to ask them about their religious background and offer to pray. In the end, be a friend. This is the best way to celebrate Veterans Day.
Veterans Day is a federal holiday that recognizes and honors living Veterans who served or are currently serving in the United States military. A veteran is a person who served a minimum of 180 days on active duty and was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. An exception to this is one who may have been discharged with less than 180 days due to a medical condition.
The foundation for Veterans Day began with Armistice Day, which took place on November 11th, 1918, at 11:00 a.m., when the Armistice with Germany went into effect, ending World War 1. An Armistice is an agreement to cease hostile combat. A Congressional Act, approved on May 13, 1938, made November 11th a legal holiday: “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as “Armistice Day.”
In 1945, World War II veteran Raymond Weeks from Birmingham, Alabama, had the idea to expand Armistice Day to celebrate all Veterans, not just those who died and served in World War I. Weeks led a delegation to Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, who supported the idea of National Veterans Day. Congress amended and approved a resolution on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since.
Although often confused with one another and even celebrated similarly, Veterans Day and Memorial Day are distinct military recognitions. Veterans Day celebrates military personnel still living, whether discharged, retired, or on active duty. Memorial Day is to honor those Veterans who have died or were killed while on active duty. Neither has anything to do with Independence Day, which celebrates America’s independence from Great Britain.
To understand the importance of Veterans Day, it is necessary to know how many Veterans have served in the military. As of 2020, it is estimated that there are 189 million Veterans still living today; these figures include those who served as far back as the Korean War. As of November 2023, approximately 120,000 WWII Veterans are still living. Although reports vary, it is estimated that only 0.4 percent of Americans serve in the military at any one time. Men and women, single or married, high school graduates to holders of Doctorates, serve in various military occupational skills to defend and protect the United States Constitution and its freedoms. They served or serve, not only to defend the National Security within America’s borders but America’s interests abroad as well. Their sacrifices, even to their own harm, are to be honored.
How can civilians observe the day?
- Attend any celebrations or parades within your town and thank as many veterans as possible.
- Churches may recognize veterans during the worship service. Invite a veteran to speak at that. Honor the veterans who are there with a memento or gift.
- In a solemn way, during the day, have a moment or more of silence.
How can civilians honor those who have served?
- Call or Facetime a veteran, or send a text, card, or letter. You may have one in your family or a neighbor.
- Send a care package to a veteran in your community or contact a military installation on how to send a care package to an active-duty service member in the U.S. or abroad.
- If you have veterans in your workplace, organize a special recognition with fellowship or a meal.
- Locate a charity that supports veterans and inquire what you can do to assist.
Make an effort to honor a veteran today!
