Veterans Day

By Rich Arvidson
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Here is a brief history of our National Holiday called Veterans Day. As you would notice, there is no apostrophe in the title. It is because the holiday does not belong to just one veteran but it is a day to honor all veterans. So hence, no apostrophe is needed.

As stated above, Veterans Day is set apart from Memorial Day because Veterans Day is to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military, both is wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served—not only those who died—have sacrificed and done their duty. Memorial Day observed in May is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, either in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle.

Originally Veterans Day was called Armistice Day commemorating the end of World War I. The war actually ended seven months after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Armistice Day was to honor veterans of World War I.

June 1, 1954, Congress changed the name Armistice Day to Veterans Day so the day would honor American Veterans of all wars.

Pause and think, the veteran’s commitment to preserving our freedom has been instrumental in safeguarding the liberties and opportunities we hold dear as Americans. Along with that, thank the families who also sacrificed when a member of the family went to serve.