Today is Veteran’s Day, traditionally celebrated on November 11 every year. I would like to share some history of Veteran's Day, along with some helpful tips to honor the veterans in your life.
How Veteran’s Day Came to Be
President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation in November 1919 to declare November 11 as Armistice Day. The idea was to commemorate when hostilities ended between Allied forces and Germany at the end of World War I. While the fighting ceased in November 1918 at the eleventh hour on eleventh day of the month (November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m.), the war didn’t officially end until the signing of the Treaty of Versaille in June 1919.
The Treaty of Versailles was signed and agreed to near Versailles, France on June 28, 1919, however, U.S. Congress didn’t officially recognize the end of the war until June 4, 1926.
On May 13, 1938, Armistice Day was offically made a legal holiday in the U.S. After the Korean War, Congress passed legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veteran’s Day in order to honor veterans of all U.S. wars. That legislation passed on June 1, 1954.
10 Ways to Honor Your Veteran Loved Ones
There were more than 300,000 living World War II veterans in the U.S. on Memorial Day 2020. Since then, America has fought several other wars including the Korean War, Vietnam War, two Iraq wars, and a Global War on Terror. On top of that, the country has executed many other military actions on a smaller scale.
With almost 20 million U.S. veterans still alive today, every U.S. citizen likely knows a veteran. You can honor the veterans in your life in many practical ways. Here are a few suggestions:
- Place a phone call to your veteran friend or family member.
- Send a text to your veteran loved one.
- Raise a flag.
- Send a greeting card.
- Write a letter and send it by U.S. mail or email.
- Share a meme on Facebook or Instagram.
- Make a donation to a veterans advocacy or support charity on behalf of your loved one.
- Attend a Veterans’ Day event.
- Take your veteran loved one on a fishing expedition.
- Head to the lake for boating, camping, and other outdoor activities.
These are just a few of the ways you can honor the special veterans in your life. If you’re thinking about a loved one this Veteran’s Day, don't hesitate to reach out – it will mean the world to them.
From LakeHub, we would like to wish all U.S. veterans and their families a Happy Veteran’s Day.