Remembering Veterans Day
This weekend we take time out of our schedule to honor those who have bravely served our country. The men and women who have protected us, and made sure that day in and day out the American flag can be flown over a free nation. A free nation that was built on the idea that all men are created equal and a nation whose president once requested we “ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” The brave men and women that serve in the Army, the Navy, the Air Force and the Marines heard that request and rose up in times of duress and uncertainty and volunteered to protect their fellow citizen.
Veterans day is always observed on November 11th, this is because this date is the same date as Armistice Day, a date that people from nations around the world remember the signing of the Armistice that ended the first World War on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918.
The key difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day is that Veterans Day commemorates all veterans, while Memorial day honors those who have lost their lives while serving in the armed forces. The holiday was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson on the one year anniversary of Armistice Day. It would be seven years until Congress passed a resolution also honoring this day of remembrance. It was first known as Armistice Day, but was later amended to be named Veterans Day in order to honor those who helped bring about the end of the War.
This Veterans Day, if you have the chance, make sure that you thank those who have served in order to keep this nation free. To those who have gone before us to make sure that the American flag can fly freely across this nation, we salute you.