Veterans Day: From World War I Armistice to Honoring All Who Served
Veterans Day, observed annually on November 11th, has a rich history that’s worth exploring. As the founder of HadIt.com Veterans and a Navy veteran myself, I’ve always felt a deep connection to this holiday and its significance for our community.
The Roots of Veterans Day
Veterans Day started as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. The armistice was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, a date that would become significant in American history.
Evolution of the Holiday
Initially, Armistice Day was meant to honor World War I veterans. However, after World War II and the Korean War, there was a push to recognize all veterans. In 1954, President Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veterans Day, broadening its scope to include veterans of all wars.
A Brief Change and Return
In 1968, Congress moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. This didn’t sit well with many Americans who felt the historical significance of November 11th was important. In 1975, President Ford signed a law returning the observance to November 11th, where it has remained since.
Why Veterans Day Matters
As a veteran and advocate for veterans’ rights, I can’t stress enough how important this day is. It’s not just about remembering those who served – it’s about understanding the challenges veterans face and supporting them in their post-service lives.
At HadIt.com, we see daily how crucial support and information are for veterans navigating the VA claims process. Veterans Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to support our veterans, not just with words, but with actions.
How We Can Honor Veterans
- Learn about veterans’ issues: Educate yourself on the challenges veterans face, from PTSD to navigating VA benefits.
- Support veteran-owned businesses: Put your money where your mouth is and support veteran entrepreneurs.
- Volunteer or donate: Many organizations supporting veterans need volunteers and donations.
- Help a veteran with their VA claim: If you have experience, consider mentoring a fellow veteran through the claims process.
- Simply listen: Sometimes, the best support you can offer is a listening ear.
Remember, Veterans Day isn’t just a day off work. It’s a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who’ve served and to consider how we can better support our veteran community. As someone who’s been through the VA claims process and founded a community to help others, I can tell you that every bit of support makes a difference.
Let’s make every day Veterans Day by continuously supporting and honoring those who’ve served our country.