Veterans Day, Nov. 11th, it is not just a day off work, it is a day to remember that our freedoms come at a cost. It is a day to honor those that have fought and protected our country. Though many have died throughout history while fighting, others have returned home to tell or teach of their experience. Some veterans continue to carry wounds, some we can visibly see such as scars or missing limbs, while others carry invisible wounds such as Agent Orange, TBI, PTSD, Gulf War Syndrome or shrapnel within their body.

Many veterans were shot at while serving, some have been spit at, but no matter where or when they served they will never forget their years serving in the military. They are proud and we should always let them know we are proud of them.

You cannot tell who is a military veteran by looking at them, unless they are in uniform or wear something that states they have served. A veteran may stand a bit prouder as the flag goes by or they may be the only one to stand as it goes by out of respect for the country. They are ordinary men and women that offered to die for our country. If they talk of their experience listen to them, once they are gone you will never hear their tale again.

Some history:

• The armistice was signed on the 11th hour on November 11th in 1918 to end WWI.
• In 1919 November this date became known as Armistice Day, to acknowledge the end of “the war to end all wars”.
• Armistice Day became a federal holiday in 1938 and then the name changed to Veterans Day in 1954 , so all veterans could be honored no matter when or where they served.
• This year Veterans Day is unique if we put it into numbers it reads 11-11-11.

 

What can you do to honor Veterans Day?

•  fly the US flag
• attend or participate in a parade or assembly
• stop for a moment of silence at 11 AM, remembering those that have fought for you and your family.
• purchase a poppy, the symbol of WWI.
• Release a balloon in honor/memory of those suffering or have suffered from the Rainbow Agents (Agent Orange, etc)
• share stories of how our country is free because of the military veterans
• remind the youth it is the veterans that protect their freedoms that they will enjoy throughout their lives
• send cards to local VA hospital, or other facility, veteran patients
• Just offer two simple words to all veterans: Thank You.