Today, Americans celebrate Veterans Day. Observed annually on November 11, it is a tribute to military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces on the anniversary of the end of World War I. However, it is not to be confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day honors the U.S. service members who died while in service.
Armistice Day
Initially, Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day. Armistice Day began being celebrated on November 11, 1919 – the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Meant to be a way to honor the soldiers who had fallen during World War I for their sacrifice and bravery, it became a national holiday by an Act approved by Congress on May 13, 1938.
Raymond Weeks: “Father of Veterans Day”
World War II veteran Raymond Weeks led a delegation to General Dwight Eisenhower in 1945 with the idea to expand Armistice Day to a day that recognized all veterans, not just the ones who passed during World War I. Afterwards, Weeks organized the first Veterans Day celebration that same year in the state of Alabama. He held Veterans Day celebrations every year subsequently until his death in 1985. President Ronald Regan honored Weeks with the Presidential Citizenship Medal in 1982. Elizabeth Dole, former United States Secretary of Labor under President George H.W. Bush and former United States Senator of North Carolina from 2003-2009, named Weeks the “Father of Veterans Day”.
Veterans Day Becomes A National Holiday
Ed Rees, the former United States Representative from Emporia, Kansas, introduced a bill to Congress in 1954 that if passed established Veterans Day as a national holiday. At the time Eisenhower was President. As President, Eisenhower signed the bill into law on May 26, 1954.
If the holiday falls on Saturday, the federal government observes the day on a Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday the next day: a Monday. The United States Office of Personnel Management establish federal government closings. Meanwhile, state and local governments determine closings locally. Non-government businesses may close or remain open as they choose, independent of federal, state, or local government operation determinations.
National Veterans Awareness Week
On August 4, 2001 the United States Senate Resolution 143 passed. The Resolution designated the week of November 11 – November 17, 2001 as National Veterans Awareness Week. The Resolution called for more educational efforts directed at both elementary and secondary school students. These efforts regarded the contributions and sacrifices made by veterans. Now National Veterans Awareness Week or Veterans Week falls into the week Veterans Day occurs every year.
Around the World
The United States isn’t the only country to celebrate a day similar to Veterans Day.
In Australia and New Zealand, they celebrate ANZAC Day on April 25. This day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I.
The United Kingdom and Commonwealth Nations celebrate Remembrance Day on the same day the U.S. celebrates Veterans Day. Observed by Canadians and other members of the Commonwealth since the end of World War I, Remembrance Day is a day to reflect on those who fought and died in the line of duty.
On June 6, South Koreans observe Memorial Day to honor their servicemen and civilians who died for their country in the same month the Korean Way began.
Finally, in Turkey, they observe Martyrs Day on March 18. It is the anniversary of a major victory against the Allied Powers during the Gallipoli Campaign and commemorates Turks who died for their country.
Statistics
The most recent statistics show 19.5 million veterans living in the United States. Nine million of those are over the age of sixty-five. Over five million receive disability compensation. Three hundred twenty-five thousand of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II were still alive in 2020. In fact, 18.2 million living veterans served in at least one war. As of 2019, the states with the highest percentage of veterans are Alaska, Wyoming, and Virginia. Unfortunately, a large percentage also experience under employment and homelessness. Meanwhile, It is estimated that eleven percent are currently homeless and of that eleven percent, fifty percent also struggle with a mental illness such as PTSD.
How To Celebrate
If you are interested in celebrating Veterans Day, there are different ways you can. If you run a business, you can hire a veteran(s) to work for your organization. At work you can suggest your business show their appreciation on Veterans Day by offering free products or discounts on their products. In addition, join a sponsored run for an organization such as Homes For Troops which assists injured veterans by building homes for them. Or start small: find a veteran in your personal life and thank them for their service.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Info Source: VA.gov; History.com; and NationalToday.com
Photo Source: Pixabay
