Celebrating Veterans
Day
Veterans Day is coming up and many people are likely looking
forward to a relaxing three-day weekend.
The post office and banks will be closed, and it is a good day to catch
up on errands and spend some time with your family and friends. While many people use the day for personal
reasons, the significance and history is often lost and forgotten, which is
unfortunate as it has deep seeded meaning and importance. This Veterans Day, spend some time
remembering those who have served our country!
Veterans Day was originally established in 1918, on November
11th, at 11am. At this time,
the United States signed a peace armistice with Germany, which signified the
end of World War I. In 1919, President
Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th Armistice Day, and in 1938
Congress made the day an official holiday.
After World War II and the Korean War, Congress changed the name to
“Veterans Day” and made it an official holiday that recognized the efforts of
all veterans of all wars, not just those that served in WWI. Today, Veterans Day is a day set apart for
celebration and thanks for the veterans and service men and women who have or
are serving in our nation’s Armed Forces.
This day is different from Memorial Day, as Memorial Day is a day of
remembrance for those that died serving our country, and Veterans Day is a day
of celebration for those that have served or are serving.
Making Veterans Day
Special
There are so many great ways that you can celebrate Veterans
Day either alone or with family and friends.
Keep in mind the significance of the holiday and try some of these fun
and different patriotic celebration ideas:
1.
Observe a Moment of Silence – This is a great
way to show your respect and a unique way to teach your kids how to thank and
show respect for those who have served.
Teaching your children and family what a moment of silence represents is
important and will help instill a sense of respect. Little kids will likely end the silence with
giggling which is just fine!
2.
Patriotic Crafts and Treats – Making fun,
patriotic themed crafts and treats with your kids is a great way to spend a few
hours thinking about our country and teaching them what different symbols
mean. Make paper flags with your kids
and teach them about the meaning of the starts, the red, white, and blue. Put the flags up around your house and enjoy
some red, white, and blue rice crispy treats (a personal favorite!).
3.
Go to a Parade – Lots of cities and towns hold
patriotic parades to commemorate the citizens in the community who served in
the Armed Forces. These parades are a
great way to meet the people in your neighborhood who have served and give
thanks to them for the time and effort that they put forth to protect our country.
No matter how you spend your Veterans Day, spend a few
moments to think about those who have sacrificed for us and thank them in your
heart for what they have done. Also
remember that because November 11th is on a Sunday this year, it
will be observed on Monday, November 12th.
*Courtney writes about VA news for MilitaryVALoan.com, a
resource where veterans can save money on their VA home loans and mortgages.
Thank you, Courtney! You kids be careful this weekend!
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