America celebrates this annual holiday with volunteer work, days off, media specials and parades, but what exactly is the momentous day and why is it so important? Veterans Days has traditionally been celebrated on November 11th since its creation by President Woodrow Wilson. President Wilson first established this day under the name Armistice Day after the worst of World War I in 1918.
President Wilson described the meaning of this special day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”
These great words exemplified the honor this day should bring to all veterans who fought so bravely to defend America. The original concept of the day was one full of parades and speeches in honor of the returning soldiers. The day was finally signed into law as Armistice Day in 1926 to serve as a remembrance for the worst war thatAmericahad been involved in to date. The day was to be commemorated with prayers of thanksgiving and honor to bring peace and mutual peace among nations in hopes that no war would reach the level of World War I. On June 1, 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower legally changed Armistice Day into Veterans Day to honor all war veterans, not just those who fought in World War I.
Veterans Day will always be a day to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of their country, and selfless sacrifice for the common good of their country. This Veterans Day should be celebrated by all Americans to honor those soldiers returning from Afghanistan. It is important to honor our returning soldiers for the commitment and dedication to their communities. They are true examples of dedicated volunteers.
How can you reach out to your veterans this holiday season? You can participate in projects both big and small, from a thank you card to a fundraising campaign benefiting Veterans Affairs. There are many ways that you can help out this Veterans Day and onward; check out HandsOn Network’s Community Blueprint toolkit for projects ideas and volunteer opportunities around you! Happy Veterans Day to all!
Are you volunteering on Veteran’s Day, or do you regularly volunteer with an organization that supports veterans, active duty military, or military families? Let us know about your service in the comments!
