Give Thanks On Veteran's
Day
When we think of November holidays, chances are Thanksgiving
springs to mind first. But the first November holiday we celebrate
in America is Veterans Day on November 11, which is our day to give
thanks to the men and women who have served in the military. This
Veterans Day, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices veterans
have made and thank a veteran in your community.
A History-Celebration and
Tribute
Veteran's Day, originally called Armistice Day, began November 11,
1919. President Woodrow Wilson commemorated the first anniversary
of the end of World War I (which ended at 11 a.m. on November 11,
1918). He paid tribute to Allied soldiers who lost their lives in
"the war to end all wars." November 11 became a holiday, under
different names, in the U.S., France, the United Kingdom and
Canada.
In 1954, the holiday became known as Veterans Day in America to
honor American veterans, living and dead, who served honorably in
the military during war or peace. According to the Veterans
Administration, there are 25 million living veterans. Veterans Day
reminds us to thank them for their service while they are living,
and to celebrate the freedoms they have protected.
In addition to expressing our appreciation to living veterans,
Americans pay tribute to those who lost their lives fighting for
our freedoms. The official national ceremony for Veterans Day is
held each Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Tomb of the Unknowns in
Arlington National Cemetery. Color guards from all U.S. military
services "Present Arms" at the tomb, a presidential wreath is laid
and a bugler plays "Taps."
What You Can Do
Korean and Vietnam War veteran Robert W. Skelton, Chief Warrant
Officer, U.S. Army (Retired) of Lynn Haven, FL says, "I was honored
to serve my country with distinction as did my father, brothers and
uncles before me. The sense of pride in all veterans is tantamount
to the preservation of our freedoms and way of life. Thank a
veteran every day, not just on Veterans Day." Here are some ways
you can say "thanks."
- Simply say "thank you" to someone who has served
- Attend a Veterans Day parade or public ceremony
- Fly an American flag
- Donate time or money to a veteran's organization
- Write a letter or poem expressing your gratitude. Ask the
editor of your local paper to publish it
- Send a card, letter or care package to someone who is serving
our country away
from home
- Learn more about America's military history by reading a
nonfiction book or asking veterans to share their experiences
- If you're a veteran, share your experiences with someone. The
Veteran's History Project, administered by the Folklife Center at
the Library of Congress, is collecting and preserving audio and
videotaped oral histories, letters, diaries, maps, photographs,
home movies and other documentary materials of American veterans
and those who've worked in support of them.
Learn More
Here are some websites where you can learn more or look for other
ideas on honoring veterans in your community: