Veterans Day on Nov. 11 is a time to stand united and pay respect to all the veterans who have served our country.
The day of tribute was established on Nov. 11, 1919, which was the first anniversary of the signing of the Armistice between the Allies and Germany that ended World War I, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Thus, it was originally known as Armistice Day.
In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance on Nov. 11 and in 1938 it became an official holiday, primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I. But then World War II and the Korean War happened, so on June 1, 1954, at the urging of veterans service organizations, Congress amended the commemoration by changing the word “armistice” to “veterans” so the day would honor American veterans of all wars, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.
Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans — living or dead — but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. It is a tribute to the men and women of our armed forces for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Above: In this file photo, Alex Foley (left), now a seminarian with the Diocese of Charleston, salutes the flag during a Veterans Day celebration at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Greenville in 2015, along with his then-fellow classmates, David Corasaniti and Hunter Corrin.
For some suggestions on how to show your appreciation, visit https://www.military.com/veterans-day/8-ways-to-express-appreciation-on-veterans-day.html
