Vertrans' Day history and Now

Veterans Day is a day to honor those from past and present that served in our military services. I myself have had many family members that have joined and retired from the armed forces. My uncle who recently passed away was in the Marines and my father was in the Air Force.

Seven after World War I, also known as The Great War, ended on June 28^th,1919  President Wilson had proclaimed that Nov. 11 would be the first commemoration Armistice Day.

To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations,” Wilson Stated. Information was obtained from http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

With Armistice Day the original idea was to have a celebration that would suspend business for a little bit of time during that day and have parades and public meetings. But Armistice Day was not an official Holiday.

On May 13, 1938 an act was approved to make Nov. 11 of each year would be a legal holiday to honor those soldiers that had fought in World War I. But the day was still referred to as Armistice Day and not yet known as Veterans Day.

In 1954 World War II had commenced and the United States had entered in the War. It was one of the largest mobilization of armed forces that nation has ever sent out to war. Legislation on June 1, 1954 stated that this day would honor American Veterans of all wars.

"In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible." President Dwight D. Eisenhower stated on October 8, 1954. Making it the first Veterans’ Day proclamation.

Information was obtained from http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

 But now Veterans’’ Day seems to have a different meaning. Restaurants have started to offer free food for the persons that served in the armed forces. Their incentive for this maybe so that the whole family that may not usually come out to eat there. So they are getting more business this day.

Not only do restaurants offer free products but so do other business. It could be anywhere from a free T-shirt or a discounted park admission to a theme park in Florida. It to me does not seem like we are really honoring the men and women that served our country but capitalizing on a holiday so to make money. I do not see a parade going down our streets. I do not see major businesses closing down to honor these people. But I do see more products lining store shelves.

I honor my father, my uncle and all my other family members that have served in the military. Not by buying products to show that I am all about Veterans’’ Day but by sending them a text, calling them, or shaking their hand and thanking them for their service.