Today is Veterans Day, a federal holiday in the United States that honors all who have served in the U.S. armed forces, whether they’re alive or they’ve passed away. This is a day to show our appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have made to protect our freedoms and our country. There are so many veterans today who don’t get the recognition and appreciation they deserve. Unfortunately, many are even homeless. It’s important to show how much we care for them and thank them for serving their country.
Veterans Day History
Veterans Day, once known as Armistice Day, was first established as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918, an armistice agreement was signed, bringing an end to the fighting. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day, a day of remembrance for those who had served and sacrificed during the Great War, while also emphasizing the hope for lasting peace.
Initially, Armistice Day was dedicated specifically to honoring World War I veterans. The legislation that made it a federal holiday emphasized November 11 as a day to celebrate the cause of world peace and to remember the brave men and women who had served in that historic conflict.
In 1947, Raymond Weeks, a Navy veteran of World War II, saw the need to honor all veterans who had served in defense of our country. He organized the first National Veterans Day celebration, broadening the focus to include all those who had worn the uniform. Weeks tirelessly worked for decades to make this a nationwide observance, leading the celebration in Birmingham, Alabama, until his death in 1985. His dedication and vision were pivotal in expanding the meaning of the day, transforming Armistice Day into the inclusive Veterans Day we honor today—an opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.
Show Them You Care
So many veterans fought valiantly and passed away honorably fighting for our country, and while others did leave with their lives, they will forever live with both visible and invisible scars. The trauma and life-threatening experience they faced is beyond our imagination, and it was all for our freedom and for our country.
Show your gratitude to those brave men and woman. Write letters, talk with them, spend time with any veterans you know, volunteer at places that support veterans, participate in a local veteran parade and/or festival; anything you can do to show your appreciation for them, do so. Even just simply showing interest and talking with them will make their day.
Giving Thanks to the Brave Soldiers
Without their sacrifices and without their choice to fight for not only theirs, but all of our freedom for our country, we would not have the luxuries we have today. That is why it is so important to exercise our freedom and our rights.
Everyone at Texas Forest Country Living recognizes these brave veterans. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all veterans; alive, or passed away. Your sacrifices will always be remembered.
