Why Is It So Important to Celebrate Veterans Day?

​On Veterans Day, we come together as a country to honor all who served.
 
Veterans Day is November 11, 2021. Although every day we Americans enjoy the freedoms secured to us by our veterans, Veterans Day is the one day of the year when the whole country pauses to honor and celebrate their service to our country.
 
If you’re wondering about this holiday and why it is so important to celebrate, here’s what you should know:
 
What is Veterans Day?
Broadly speaking, Veterans Day is the holiday that recognizes any and all former personnel of the United States Armed Forces. It is a national public holiday held on the anniversary of the end of WWI. Fighting in what was then known as “The Great War” stopped on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month – thus, Veterans Day is now celebrated on November 11 every year.
 
On Veterans Day, we reflect upon and honor those who served in any of the branches of our military, whether it was the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Space Force. Regardless of when or how long they served, all our former service members are recognized on Veterans Day. In addition, members of the National Guard who have served 20 years or more even in just Active Guard and Reserve status are also recognized as veterans.
 
What is the History of Veterans Day?
In 1919, then President Woodrow Wilson announced that November 11 would be “Armistice Day” to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the cease-fire that marked the end of WWI. Originally, it was a day set aside to honor specifically those who died fighting in “The Great War.” However, in the 1950’s, after the great mobilization of U.S. troops in both WWII and the Korean War, “Armistice Day” was changed to “Veterans Day” in order to honor ALL American Veterans.
 
In October 1954, then President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued a Veterans Day Proclamation so that “a grateful Nation might pay homage to the veterans of all its wars who have contributed so much to the preservation of this nation”.
 
In this proclamation, Eisenhower called upon all Americans on Veterans Day to:
“…solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not be in vain.”
 
Interestingly, in the 1960’s, there was a move to change Veterans Day to an annual Monday holiday for a three-day weekend similar to Memorial Day or Presidents Day. However, many did not agree with this decision and continued to recognize the significance of November 11. Hence, in the 1970’s then President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479) officially returning the observance of Veterans Day to the original date.
 
Today, we continue to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11 of every year regardless of the day of the week in order to recognize the service and sacrifices of all our military personnel.
 
Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday?
Yes, Veterans Day is both a federal holiday and a bank holiday. Thus, federal employees, including all current members of the military, are given the day off. Some companies and schools also choose to close on Veterans Day in honor of our military.
 
How Does Veterans Day Differ from Memorial Day?
While Memorial Day (which is celebrated on the last Monday of every May) honors all those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, Veterans Day honors all those who served.
 
Why Does Veterans Day Matter?
Veterans Day pays homage to our veterans for their patriotism and service.
 
To consider why Veterans Day is important, you might first ask to whom is Veterans Day important? Clearly, Veterans Day is important to all those who served and their families – they are the ones who have given the most. However, Veterans Day also matters to ALL Americans, since the security and protection of our country has been preserved through their sacrifices.
 
How Do You Honor Veterans Day?
There are many ways you can show your appreciation and gratitude for our military service members on Veterans Day.
 
A simple and sincere “Thank you for your service” is an appreciative acknowledgment for any veterans you meet on that day. You might also want to consider:

• Sending a care package or letter to a current service member or veteran
• Patronizing a veteran-owned business
• Attending a local ceremony to honor current and past troops.
• Learning more and reflecting upon the history of some of our country’s military conflicts
• Supporting an organization that serves veterans, such as Veteran Care Services.

 
How does Veteran Care Services Help Veterans?
Veteran Care Services is committed to helping veterans age 65+ and their families with senior care.
 
Studies show that 37.1% of the veteran population is 65 years or older. Many of these veterans require special care and assistance with the tasks of daily living. Veteran Care Services is here to help connect these veterans with the resources they need. For example, many senior veterans are eligible for VA Aid and Attendance / Veterans Aid and Attendance, a Home Health Aide, Home Improvement (HISA), and other benefits.  We offer guidance and assistance to help senior veterans get the benefits they have earned.
 
To find out more, give us a call at 1-888-E-VETERANS