Veterans Day is the day set aside to honor all those who have served our country in war or peace — dead or alive — although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.
Pause a moment this Veterans Day to say “thank you” to a friend, relative, or co-worker who is a U.S. military veteran or actively serving.
Spectators and veterans hold up “Thank You” signs during the 2012 Fayetteville Veterans Day parade, Nov. 10, 2012 in Fayetteville, N.C.
A holiday not to be confused with Veterans Day or Armed Forces Day. That day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, living or dead.
Memorial Day is different. It is the day set aside to remember the men and women who gave their lives while serving this country.
Personally, I can’t forget Memorial Day. You see, my sweetie and I shared our wedding vows on May 30 — the original date designated as Memorial Day.
That date changed with the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. Now Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. We still celebrate our anniversary every May 30.
Sometimes I think the Memorial Day holiday is devoted more to shopping, family gatherings, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events instead of remembering those who have given their lives in military service.
May this video jog our memory.
Today we celebrate Veterans Day. Do you know why?
This short video from the History Channel explains the origins.
According to Cynthia Ozick, “We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.”
Don’t let that happen today!
Say “thank you” to a friend, relative, or co-worker who is a U.S. military veteran or active member of the military then pause a moment to remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their all to make America the greatest nation on Earth.
“From the bitter cold winter at Valley Forge, to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq, our soldiers have courageously answered when called, gone where ordered, and defended our nation with honor.” ~Solomon Ortiz
My husband is a retired Army officer.
My father served in the Army Air Corps.
My uncle was a Marine.
My meager contribution to military service was a short stint as a Department of Army Civilian at Eighth Army Headquarters, Yongsan, South Korea. Now, I write military romances and offer happily ever after endings that aren’t always present in the non-fiction military world.
This video as a poignant reminder of why we have this special day to honor veterans.
In recognition to all veterans, I say…
