Veterans Day, Friday, November 11th
Nov 8 2011, 5:23 pm
Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally set as a holiday to honor the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world.
In 1954 Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word “Armistice” and inserting the word “Veterans.” On June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
The difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day
Memorial Day honors service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle. Deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day but the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime.
I come from a family, who over the years, have served in every branch of the service in every conflict since WWI. I have ancestors who served in British conflicts back to the early 1800’s. Two (many greats) uncles were in the Charge of the Light Brigade. Our modern military epitomize honor, duty, and commitment. They are the youngest, most educated, dedicated and highly trained military to have served this country. You don’t need to shove them towards danger you need to hold them back. Many people think courage is the absence of fear. It isn’t! Courage is fear overcome. The willingness to face a danger to protect someone else. My definition of heroes and heroines.
Please take time to honor and remember all the men and women who have served in the military. We owe them so much.
Army Tribute
Navy Tribute
Air Force Tribute
Marine Corps Tribute
Coast Guard Tribute
A Very Special Tribute to ALL the Women who have served this country
Thank you for a beautiful explanation of Veterans Day. When I was in school it was called Armistice Day and was a school holiday.
My grandson is in the Army and has served two tours in Iraq. Both of my maternal great grandfathers fought in the Civil War. Two of my ancestors were in the Revolutionary War.
My favorite teacher was a former WAC and I owe my love of history to her.
I will remember all of them on Friday 11/11/11.
Thanks for coming by Barbara. May your grandson be safe.
Thanks for this lovely reminder, Rita. We owe a big debt of gratitude to all servicemembers–but especially to those who have served overseas in times of war. I’d also like to thank the families who are left behind to worry and keep going.
Beth, the families are heroes also. What they go through in my opinion is just as heroic.
And thank you Beth for your service.
Thanks for the explanation of the difference between Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, Rita. One of my regrets in life is that I was once attending a conference on Veteran’s Day weekend and I saw an older gentleman–probably about 80 years old–wearing full uniform, with medals, eating breakfast alone at the hotel. I’m rather shy and reserved and thus managed to convince myself that he wouldn’t have wanted me to go over and interrupt his breakfast. Now, however, looking back, I kick myself: a quick “thank you for your service” would have given him the option of inviting me to sit and chat, or of nodding and sending me on my way. It happened years ago and I still regret it.
So if you see any of our past or present service men or women, take a lesson from me: say thank you!
Elise, thank you for sharing.
Beautiful post, Rita. My father is a veteran and served in Vietnam. Even after retiring, he worked as a civilian for the military for many years. He worked for the Pentagon during 9-11. He’s my own personal hero. I admire any of our soldiers, past and present. Thank you!
Anne Marie was he in the Pentagon on 9/11?
We are fortunate to be surrounded by so many real heroes. Tell your dad thank you from me.
Well said mom I Loved the tribute to the marines the photos brought a lot of memories back. Thank you for posting this. I love you, from your Marine Son
Thank you for your service my Marine son. Love ya!
I’m an Air Force brat. My dad was Lt. Col. Paul R. O’Brien, Jr. He flew KC-135s – the big planes that refuel the smaller planes in mid air. Amazing that planes can hook up in the air while they are moving, huh? My brother-in-law was also an airplane mechanic in the Air Force.
We owe a lot to the service members and their families. Thanks for this nice tribute, Rita!
Thank you for coming by and sharing your hero with us.
That was a beautiful explanation, Rita. And I’m so happy you chose to post this tribute. My grandfather, my great uncles…they were all overseas for WWII and they are no longer here to share the stories. I feel like I need to carry those stories on for them.
Maureen it makes me sad to think of all the untold stories out there. I encourage anyone who has family who were in the military to ask them about their service
About two years ago I sat down with my great uncle who has since passed away. He told me many tales. He was a medic on D-Day. He had no skills to warrant the title. They just told him, “Okay, you’re going to be a medic.” It was all very fascinating and very sad.
It takes my breath away to hear the stories of WWII. What was expected of the men and what they did above and beyond what was expected. They came home and quietly resumed their civilian lives never giving any thought to the heroic things they did.
Thanks for the reminder to honor our veterans, without whom we wouldn’t have any of the freedoms we enjoy today.
So very true Wynter
While in the AF, I served with some of the most fantastic, unforgettable people. While we were in OTS, many of us confessed to getting choked up every time we saluted the flag. I’ll also never forget meeting a Medal of Honor recipient. I’m still overcome with awe whenever I think of it.
I am grateful for having had the life-changing military experience.
Meeting a Medal of Honor recipient is an honor and they are so humble.
Thank you for your service
Thank you for having been a military wife and mom. You might not have been on the front lines, but you sacrificed and provided essential support.