All About Veterans Day

American people love heroes: soaring superhumans, stand-out civilians, and—most of all—stalwart soldiers. Each and every day, the United States is indebted to the legion of people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. And, on one specific day, the country honors every single one of those brave heroes. That day is Veterans Day.

Every year, Veterans Day is held on November 11th; it also happens to coincide with two other global holidays that reflect on wars and the people who fight in them—Remembrance Day and Armistice Day.

History of Veterans Day

Before there was Veterans Day, there was just Armistice Day. This day was designed to celebrate the armistice (a temporary halt on hostilities) made on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 during World War I. It became a federal holiday to celebrate the end of the war on the following year.

After subsequent wars with American involvement, World War II and the Korean War in particular, the holiday became Veterans Day to commemorate all members of the U.S. Armed Services. Veterans Day was made official—and a federal holiday—in 1954.

Non-essential offices of the federal government are closed on this day, and all federal workers are paid for the day as a holiday. Whenever the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, many organizations choose to officially celebrate the day on the following Monday.

Veterans Day Today

Since its inception over sixty years ago, thousands of brave Americans have pledged themselves to service in the U.S. Armed Services. Many have tragically lost their lives in this service. Veterans Day celebrates every veteran—young and old, alive and passed on. It is a day to reflect on memories, consider the costs of war, and celebrate U.S. Armed Services members who still fight for freedom each and every day.

Many Americans commemorate this day by visiting graveyards of honored, deceased loved ones. Many still will also attend various Veterans Day parades and celebrations. Generally speaking, it's an optimistic day geared toward reflection.

As time marches on, it becomes increasingly more paramount that this nation's heroes get the respect and proper treatment that they deserve. Geneva College prioritizes honor and service to our nation's veterans; that's why we were named one of the country's Best Colleges for Veterans by the U.S. World & News Report.

On this Veterans Day, we hope that every American takes the time to observe America's most valiant. It's the best way to serve those who serve us.

Source

http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/

http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vdnc_history.asp

http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day

Opinions expressed in the Geneva Blog are those of its contributors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or official position of the College. The Geneva Blog is a place for faculty and contributing writers to express points of view, academic insights, and contribute to national conversations to spark thought, conversation, and the pursuit of truth, in line with our philosophy as a Christian, liberal arts institution.

Nov 11, 2015

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