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Veteran’s Day: A Holiday of Gratitude and Reflection

On Veteran’s Day, as with quite a few national holidays, many Americans spend the time off with friends and family without considering why the day has been set aside for commemoration.

Veteran’s Day is designated as a time for the American people to express their appreciation for the many veterans—past and present—who have been willing to put their lives at risk to serve our country and defend our way of life.

Brave citizens have enlisted in the armed services to preserve our God-given rights and freedoms since the Revolutionary War. But the holiday of Veteran’s Day was not formally established until 1954. November 11 was chosen as the official day of remembrance because it marks the anniversary of Armistice Day , when the fighting stopped on the Western front at the end of the First World War.

Veteran’s Day is a holiday of gratitude and reflection. Like Memorial Day, it is a time to pay tribute to American servicemen and servicewomen, but it is not the same. Memorial Day was established to remember the fallen, those who have paid the ultimate price defending America. Veteran’s Day focuses on all who have served, not just the fallen. It is important to reflect on the experiences they have gone through and the contributions they have made, as well.

Veteran’s Day offers the chance to show public appreciation for our living veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces. Military personnel and their families often make sacrifices, both large and small on a regular basis, and that should not be forgotten.

Perhaps even more importantly, Veteran’s Day helps to continue to foster a culture of service among America’s youth. Showing appreciation for our veterans helps do that. By honoring military service and educating young people on why it is so important, we can ensure future generations will also answer the call if needed and will better understand that honorable service to the country is necessary to safeguard America from a host of threats.

It would be nice to think that there is no need to remind Americans of the importance of service. But painful reminders abound showing that this is not the case. In 2018, a high school history teacher in California was caught on camera telling his students that military personnel “are the lowest of the low.” (He was subsequently fired).

This detestable attitude exists even at the highest levels of government. In 2020, for instance, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) introduced legislation to bar the military from maintaining any presence in U.S. schools or digital streaming platforms, effectively strangling military recruiting. (It did not pass).

Today, countries like China, Russia, Iran and North Korea are all challenging American security , and the threat from international terrorism remains ever-present. If America is going to continue to survive and prosper in a dangerous world, the youth of today and tomorrow will need to show the same patriotism, courage and resolve exemplified by our current and former veterans.

A show of support is especially important this year. Following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and that country’s tragic fall to Taliban rule, some veterans may question whether their service –and all of the effort and sacrifices they made “over there”—was worth it.

It was. For 20 years, their efforts prevented a major terrorist attack on the American homeland, gave the people of Afghanistan opportunity, and kept America safe in a dangerous time. Our country owes these warriors a great debt.

Nov. 11 is the perfect time to highlight and honor their service and sacrifice. So this Veteran’s Day, let’s all take some time to do just that.

James Di Pane is a policy analyst in The Heritage Foundation’s Center for National Defense.

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8 Ways to Say 'Thank You Veterans' on Veterans Day

Veterans Day is an important day to "thank you veterans" as we show appreciation to members of our military, past and present.

If you're looking for an appropriate way to honor a veteran in your life, or would like to contribute in a way that's meaningful for veterans everywhere, here's a list of suggestions to start you off.

1. Say "Thank You Veterans" by Showing Up

Attend a Veterans Day event in your area -- not just a picnic with friends but an honest-to-goodness parade or service for veterans. Roy Rogers said, "We can't all be heroes; someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by." Veterans Day is a great opportunity to do just that.

2. Donate to Veteran-Focused Charities

There are a plethora of wonderful organizations that offer all manner of support, services and appreciation for our service members. To get a few ideas for veteran donations, check out these wounded veteran charities that have been impact .

3. Fly a Flag - Correctly

Veterans Day is a great opportunity to fly the flag. Just make sure you're observing the proper rules for display. Here are a few of those important tips:

Never drag a U.S. flag on the ground or let it touch the ground.
Don't drape it over the hood, top, sides or back of a vehicle.
Don't display the U.S. flag above any other flag, and keep it at the center when it's surrounded by other flags.
Don't display a tattered or torn flag. Flags that are tattered and torn should be disposed of in a respectful way, preferrably by burning.
Never use the flag as apparel, bedding or drapery.

See more tips at Military.com's guide to the flag .

4. Ask Someone About Their Service

It seems like we all know someone who has served, and Veterans Day is a great time to ask them about their service. Learning more about their service can help you appropriately say "thank you."

Questions to ask a veteran

Here are some questions to get you started:

What did you do in the military?
How long did you serve?
What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service?
Did anyone else in your family serve?
Why did you go into the service branch you did?

Do not ask whether they've killed anyone, and should your veteran be a combat vet who is either unwilling to share or plainly states what they went through, be supportive without being intrusive. Sometimes you don't have to say anything; just listen and give them your full attention.

5. Write a letter to say "thank you veterans"

If you know a veteran, write a simple letter, postcard or email that recognizes them on Veterans Day. If you don't know a veteran, look up the closest military installation and send one there. Small acts of recognizing someone's service, even anonymously, are appreciated.

The military-focused nonprofit Soldiers' Angels organizes volunteers to write letters to deployed troops, veterans and their caregivers through their Letter Writing Virtual Team. Learn how to join that group on the Soldiers' Angels website .

6. Don't Confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day

Veterans Day is a time to thank those who are serving or have served and are still with us. Memorial Day is to reflect and remember those who lost their lives in service to their country. Confusing the two or combining the two diminishes the importance of both.

Learn more about Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day.

7. Visit a VA Hospital

Find out what the policies are at your nearest VA hospital for interacting with patients or volunteering, and spend the day with a veteran. Many VA facilities will have events on Veterans Day or a special lunch you can help prepare. Even if you never interact with a veteran, helping at a facility is a way to give back and saying "thank you veterans."

8. Get Outdoors with a Veteran

Invite a veteran or a military family to explore a national park; admission is free for all visitors on Veterans Day. Being outside helps improve physical and mental health, boosts emotional well-being and is a great way to celebrate the day with a veteran.

Veterans Day Features on Military.com

Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies

Celebrity Veteran Profiles

Profiles in Courage: 5 Medal of Honor Recipients

Stay On Top of Your Veteran Benefits

Military benefits are always changing -- keep up with everything from pay to health care by signing up for a free Military.com membership , which will send all the latest benefits straight to your inbox, as well as give you access to up-to-date pay charts and more.

Get Discounts at Restaurants All Year Long

AARP salutes you for your service to our country with a special membership offer of up to 43% off. Enjoy savings on dining, travel and more all year long with your AARP membership! Join today and save on your next meal with AARP.

Veterans Day Discounts & Events

Veterans Day restaurant military discounts

Restaurants are saluting Veterans Day with free meals and discounts for veterans, service members and their families.

Veterans Day is the perfect opportunity to attend events such as parades to learn about the importance of the Veterans Day...

For Veterans Day, several organizations roll out promotions that support the military, veterans and their families.

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Home / Essay Samples / Government / Veterans / Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Served

Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Served

Category: Government
Topic: Veterans

Pages: 2 (836 words)

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The History of Veterans Day

Observing veterans day, 1. parades and ceremonies:, 2. moment of silence:, 3. flag display:, 4. school programs:, 5. volunteering and support:, the enduring importance of honoring veterans, 1. expressing gratitude:, 2. preserving memory:, 3. fostering unity:, 4. supporting veterans:, 5. reflecting on peace:.

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