Veterans Day: Thank a vet and lend a hand

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Photo by Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, courtesy of NARA and DVIDS Public Domain Archive

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11: Thank a veteran down your street, give gratitude at work or even post a message on social media—the options are endless today, on Veterans Day!

Honoring men and women who have served our country, in the shared hope that we might actually end wars someday, is a noble idea that dates to the origins of this Nov. 11 observance at the close of World War I. The world’s “Great War” officially ceased on June 28, 1919, but the fighting had actually stopped seven months earlier, on Nov. 11—and thus, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11, 1919 as the first Armistice Day. Nearly two decades later, November 11th was declared a legal holiday in the United States.

By 1954, the world had survived WWII and Korea, and a WWII vet began raising support for a more general Veterans Day. Among other arguments made in this campaign: WWII had required even more soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen than WWI. At the urging of citizens, November 11th officially became Veterans Day in 1954.

Did you know? France, Australia, Great Britain and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World War I and World War II on or near Nov. 11. In Europe, Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries, it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every Nov. 11.

HONOR VETS BY LENDING A HAND

Our nation’s millions of veterans need help for a wide range of lingering issues in their lives, so be sure to check on regional efforts to find out how you can help. Some noted peace activists within religious groups now are urging a greater awareness of the needs of veterans’ families, too—nationwide.

Almost 50 percent of men and women who serve in the U.S. Military are residents of rural areas, according to a recent White House Report—even though rural residents overall only account for 17 percent of the country’s population—and several organizations are stepping up to help veterans in these areas, where unemployment is usually high. Experts assert that many veterans gravitate toward the country not only because of the therapeutic solace it provides, but also because many desire to care for others—in the form of growing food.

2022 VETERANS DAY FREEBIES & DISCOUNTS: Many restaurants and retailers offer special prices for veterans on Veterans Day. Check out MilitaryBenefits.info for a full listing restaurants, retailers and more offering Veterans Day freebies and discounts for 2022. 

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