Every year on the eleventh of November, Americans come together to celebrate the military members and veterans who have so bravely served our country. Veterans Day is intended to honor and thank our military personnel, particularly those still with us, for their sacrifice and service during times of war.
Historically, November 11th marks the end of World War I. It was on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 that a truce between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect.
Originally known as Armistice Day, this day was intended to honor veterans of World War I. In 1954, veterans service organizations urged Congress to change the word “Armistice” to “Veterans” and on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor all American veterans, where ever and whenever they had served.
So what does Veterans Day mean to me?
My father served in the US Marine Corps and is a Vietnam veteran.
He voluntarily left the safety and comfort of home to fight in a war that, to this day, remains one of the most controversial conflicts in our nation’s history, as opposition to the war bitterly divided Americans. His sacrifice during this tumultuous time can never be repaid.
Shari’s dad served in the US Air Force and was active during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
He spent countless hours waiting for the call to head out on a mission that he, and the members of his flight crew, knew they would most likely not be coming home from.
When I see a veteran, when I look at my dad and Shari’s dad, I see a person who is a patriot, has a great love for this country, and who has a willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. I see someone with unmatched bravery and commitment to upholding our constitution. Someone who has a strong work ethic and desire to get the job done – and get it done right.
Veterans Day is an opportunity to celebrate and thank our veterans for all they have done and continue to do to protect something that a lot of us take for granted – our freedoms.
We can speak freely without fear, worship in our own manner, and travel throughout our great country without restriction because of these brave men and women.
We should recognize this and have all members of our military, past and present, in our hearts daily because I’m not just thankful for our veterans on November 11th. I am thankful for them every day!
Thoughts shared by Kris
akaTheGirls 
Great post, Chris. Thank you for sharing this. My Dad was a WW I army vet and my brother a WW II vet. So proud of both of them. My dad was gassed in the trenches and suffered what we now know as PTSD. They called it shell shocked back then.
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Thanks for sharing this!! I too am very proud of our family members and friends who have served our country.
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