We here at United States Patriot Corps honor our Veterans on this Veterans Day 2020. We thank you for all you have done to secure this great nation and for defending the Constitution of the United States. We thank you for your service and the sacrifices that you made for our freedoms.
Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11. This year, the 11th day of the 11th month is a Wednesday. Learn the true meaning of Veterans Day and its important history—as well as 10 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 2020, Veterans Day occurs on 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
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BEWEEN 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 particular the living veterans among us.
- Memorial Day specifically commemorates the men and women who died while in service of 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 hoiday 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.
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 quite be fiting to a person who may have friends who diedin 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:
- If you personally know a veteran (perhaps a relative, friend, or even a neighbor), write them a postcard or an email that recognizes them on Veterans Day. And/or call a veteran on the phone to ask about their time in the military. This is one way to engage beyond just saying thank you. Ask a vet where they served, where were they stationed, and what specific jobs they did while serving.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Call your Veterans Administration Hospital. See how you can help out.
- Display the flag proudly to salute our veterans! See how to properly display the American Flag.
- Read the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCreae and reflect on the poem’s significance to veterans.
- 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 II Memorial 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 Memorial online; 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.