Every year on November 11th, the United States honors its military veterans with a special day of recognition known as Veterans Day. This day is dedicated to the brave men and women who served in the United States armed forces, risking their lives to protect the rights and freedoms of their fellow citizens.
The origins of Veterans Day can be traced back to Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I when the armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Originally, this day was intended to honor the veterans of World War I, but after World War II and the Korean War, it was expanded to honor all military veterans.
Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day, but while both honor our military, they do so in different ways. Memorial Day is a time to remember the fallen, those who gave their lives in service. Veterans Day, however, is a time to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military, in wartime or peacetime.
Today, Veterans Day is celebrated with parades, ceremonies, and a moment of silence at 11 AM. Many businesses offer free meals or discounts to veterans, as a small token of gratitude for their service. It's also a day for citizens to not only recognize the sacrifices made by veterans but also to understand the struggles they face upon returning home.
While once a year we set aside this day to honor our veterans, it's important to remember that their service and sacrifices impact our lives every single day. The freedoms we enjoy are a direct result of their bravery, dedication, and resilience. On this day, and every day, we say 'thank you' to our veterans.