The History and Meaning Behind Veterans Day

Posted in honor of immediate family members who are veterans having served in the armed forces of their respective countries and honorably discharged after service: my wife Marie Apelian (U.S.), my paternal cousin Stepan Apelian (Syria), and my maternal cousin Haig Chelebian (Syria), and all the rest who served. 

I came across this article. I could not share it on my Facebook page. I copied it and posted it in my blog. It is titled “Learn the History and Meaning Behind Veterans Day” By Catherine Boeckmann on September 12, 2023. Since 2008, Catherine Boeckmann has been the editor of Almanac.com and all things digital for The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Catherine is also a Master Gardener with Purdue University Extension and volunteers with Helpings of Hope community garden to support local refugees and food pantries.

 

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Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. This year, the 11th day of the 11th month is a Saturday. Learn the true meaning of Veterans Day and its important history—as well as ten ways to show vets how you appreciate the sacrifices that they have made. 

When Is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. 

In 2023, Veterans Day will be observed on Saturday, November 11.

Veterans Day Dates
Year	Veterans Day
2023	Saturday, November 11
2024	Monday, November 11
2025	Tuesday, November 11
2026	Wednesday, November 11

 

What Does Veterans Day Mean?

Veterans Day is an important day set aside to honor and show appreciation for ALL who have served in the United States military—in wartime or peacetime, living or deceased. ”We can’t all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.”
—Roy Rogers

In Canada, November 11 is called Remembrance Day. This day, which is more similar to Memorial Day than Veterans Day, honors veterans who have died in service to their country.

What’s the Difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

On both Veterans Day and Memorial Day, it’s customary to spend time remembering and honoring the countless veterans who have served the United States throughout the country’s history. However, there is a distinction between the two holidays:

·       Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL who have served, living or deceased, but in particular the living veterans among us. 

·       Memorial Day specifically commemorates the men and women who died while serving their country and made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. 

A Short History of Veterans Day

Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day in the United States, commemorating the signing of the agreement that ended World War I at 11:00 A.M., November 11, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson celebrated the first Armistice Day in 1919.

In 1938, November 11 became a legal holiday by an act of Congress.

In 1954, this federal holiday was changed from “Armistice” to “Veterans” Day.

Although this holiday initially honored those who perished in service to their country, when the holiday’s name was changed to Veterans Day, it became a day to honor ALL the men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States.

Each year, special ceremonies are held at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

Lt. Col Marie Apelian, Greater Cincinnati Woman Veteran
 of the Year, November 9, 2012

10 Ways To Show Vets Appreciation

Remember that Veterans Day is to honor the service of all Americans who have served, but particular the living veterans among us. Many of our vets stepped in harm’s way on our behalf. 

Therefore, a cheery “Happy Veterans Day!” may not be fitting to a person who may have friends who died in combat. According to a veterans poll (CVN), 49% of vets feel uneasy with the expression, “Thank you for your service.” They weren’t sure how to respond, and preferred action to words. 

But don’t get hung up on not knowing exactly how to express your gratitude to a veteran. Everyone knows and appreciates a kind word and, even better, an act of kindness.

Here are 10 ways you can show vets that you appreciate the sacrifices they made:

1.   If you personally know a veteran (perhaps a relative, friend, or even a neighbor), reach out to them on Veterans Day with a phone call or visit! This is one opportunity to engage beyond just saying thank you. If they are comfortable discussing it, ask a vet where they served, where they were stationed, what specific jobs they did while serving, and so on.

2.   If you’re not close to a veteran, write a thank you card and drop it off at a VA hospital. If you’re not in time for this Veterans Day, that’s fine; a thoughtful card is appreciated any time. Or, contact Operation Gratitude, which sends letters of thanks and care packages to veterans as well as deployed vets. 

3.   Place a small flag on every veteran’s grave. This is an annual tradition for many scout troops. In some states, there are “Operation Flags For Vets” organizations. Call your local cemetery first for permission.

4.   Do you have a driver’s license? Help bring disabled vets to their doctor appointments. Contact the hospital service coordinator [PDF] at your local VA Hospital.

5.   If you make charitable donations, consider helping wounded veterans. Or, sponsor an “honor flight” to send veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam to Washington D.C. to see their national monuments. Donate here.

6.   Perhaps you or your church group or scout group would like to actively help a vet in your own community? Contact a local veterans assistance program, such as the one offered by DAV. From helping do yard work or running errands. There’s sure to be a need.

7.   Call your Veterans Administration Hospital. See how you can help out.

8.   Display the flag proudly to salute our veterans! See how to properly display the American Flag.

9.   Read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae and reflect on the poem’s significance to veterans. 

10.                 Spend an hour or more learning about our nation’s veterans. The Great War Society has developed a Web site devoted to World War I educational materials. The World War IIMemorial celebrates the victory of “the greatest generation” with a design that uses moving water to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorialonline; this moving memorial, dedicated in 1995, is the latest addition to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. See a registry of all the names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C.

Stepan Apelian