“We can’t all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” 

• Roy Rogers 

Veterans Day is a federal holiday honoring those who have served our country in the Armed Forces. Sometimes confused with Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all military personnel who honorably served – in wartime or peacetime – while Memorial Day focuses on those who died while serving our country. No matter the day of the week, Veterans Day always falls on November 11.

The holiday dates to 1919. President Woodrow Wilson founded what was then called Armistice Day, which marked the end of the fighting in World War I – on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. Decades later, in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name to Veterans Day to broaden it and recognize all who have served. 

The holiday wasn’t always observed on November 11; there was a period where it was observed during a three-day weekend. However, after general confusion and pushback from veterans’ organizations, President Gerald Ford moved the holiday back to its original date of November 11. Other countries, including Canada, Australia, and Great Britain, also observe this same day to honor their veterans. 

There are many ways to honor veterans on Veterans Day. 

–                Participate in or attend a Veterans Day parade or community event

–                Visit a VA hospital or send care packages or thank you cards

–                Financially support groups or nonprofits that help veterans – or volunteer

–                Spend time with a veteran you know

–                Patronize a veteran-owned business

–                Teach others, especially children, about Veterans Day and the importance of freedom

–                Display the American flag

–                Observe two minutes of silence at 1:11 PM Central Standard Time. President Obama signed this into law, asking Americans to pause voluntarily to honor the sacrifice of veterans. 

And although well-intentioned, there are also actions to avoid. It is not recommended for civilians to salute members of the military; it’s not exactly disrespectful, but it’s improper. It’s also questionable whether veterans want to hear “thank you for your service.”  It turns out that when asked, most Military personnel (especially those under 30) say if “thanks” sounds canned or automated, it makes them uncomfortable. So, thank them for their sacrifices and hard work, but do it respectfully and sincerely. Let’s all value veterans and show them our support – on this day and all year.