Veterans Day

The day we’ve dedicated to honor the Veterans of our Armed Services. Veterans Day – not to be confused with Memorial Day. I have to admit, a dear friend of mine had to remind me of the difference in the two observances not that long ago – for this I am grateful.

It’s still amazing how many Americans are not aware or have repressed what they’ve been taught when it comes to what Veterans Day actually stands for. I believe people tend to assume a similarity since both observances have a direct relation to our country’s military.

Memorial Day, for which the federal holiday is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates US men and women who have actually perished during service to our country. Veterans Day is observed each November 11. Wikipedia offers this definition for Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s Veterans for their patriotism, love of our country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Veteran’s day began as a commemoration of the ending of World War I, the Great War – on November 11, 1918. It was originally dedicated as Armistice Day, armistice meaning ‘temporary cessation of hostilities’. After World War II, it was recognized as a day to pay tribute to all service members – then, come 1954 it was redefined as Veterans Day. Other more specific timelines exist between this, some of which I found very interesting via the link below.
http://www.history.army.mil/faq/vetsday/vetshist.htm

To all our Veterans and continued Service Men and Women, I would like to thank you – you are my Hero. I will most likely never get to meet you. I won’t have the pleasure of shaking your hand, giving you a hug or even looking you in the eye while personally thanking you – just know the continued hope I have for our country has been hinged upon your service. No words may ever express my most sincere appreciation for the freedom I have today – which is a direct result of your strength, bravery and loyalty to our country.