Respecting Sacrifice the Meaning
Behind Veterans Day
By Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Every November 11th, Americans come together to celebrate Veterans Day, honoring over 19.5 million brave men and women who have served in the U.S. military. This special day is marked by local memorial events, the televised Veterans Day National Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia, and personal acknowledgments of friends and family who have served.
Veterans Day is quite unique when compared to the other federal holidays, always occurring on Nov. 11, a date with deep historical significance. Its origins trace back to World War I: on Nov. 11, 1918, an armistice was signed, ending the Great War and silencing the guns on the Western Front for the first time in over four years. The war officially concluded less than a year later with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in June 1919.
The following year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as Armistice Day, a day for parades, public gatherings, and a moment of silence at 11 a.m. That same day, the United Kingdom honored its fallen with the burial of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey, and France honored its Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe. In the U.S., four unidentified military personnel were laid to rest in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, symbolizing the sacrifice of countless lives.
In 1926, Congress officially recognized Nov. 11 as a day of remembrance, and in 1938, Armistice Day became a national holiday dedicated to World War I veterans. However, as more Americans returned from World War II and the Korean War, there was a push to honor all veterans. In 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed legislation renaming the day Veterans Day, expanding its purpose to honor all who have served.
In 1968, the Uniform Holiday Bill moved Veterans Day to the nearest Monday, but many states continued to celebrate on Nov. 11 due to its historical significance. In 1975, President Gerald Ford reinstated Veterans Day to its original date, responding to calls from state legislatures and veterans’ organizations.
This Veterans Day let’s go beyond words of thanks. Here are some meaningful ways to honor our veterans … you could volunteer at a local veteran’s center to support those in need, talk to veterans in your life about their military experiences, preserving their stories for future generations, Participate in the Centennial Commemoration Public Flower Ceremony by laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Nov. 9-10, Watch the joint full honors procession and service flyover at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Nov. 11 via livestream, or even donate to military nonprofits like the USO to help support the next generation of veterans.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Veterans Day and honor those that made our freedoms possible I hope that you always remember that it is because of those that have made sacrifices that we have the freedoms that so many take for granted. Check out why others throughout the community think about Veterans Day …
“My dad served in the Airforce, and I have other family members that have served and celebrating Veterans Day is very important because it’s a time for us to remember those who have paid the price for our freedoms. I think it’s important to hand down our love and respect for those that have made so many sacrifices.” - David Greene
“Veterans gave their time to go and fight for our country and our freedoms. Some of them made it back and some of them didn’t so I think that’s why we celebrate it because they deserve our honor and respect for what they have done for our country.” – Anita Hensley
“My brother is a Veteran, and I feel that Veterans is a very important day that should be celebrated because these people (veterans) have done so much for us and take a chance on sacrificing their lives for our freedoms.” – Misty Noe
“Celebrating Veterans Day is important we have so many people that have sacrificed so much for country and for some that meant paying the ultimate sacrifice.” - Avary Newell
“I just think it’s important that we honor those that fight for us on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter where they are at, they are just deserving of our honor and respect.” - Logan Ealey
Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifices made by those who have defended our freedoms. It's a day to reflect on the immense debt we owe to our service members, past and present, who have faced challenges beyond imagination. Whether it’s a family member, a neighbor, or a friend, take a moment to thank the veterans in your life. Their bravery deserves our respect, and acknowledging their service is a small but meaningful way to honor their commitment to our nation. Let's celebrate these heroes together and ensure their contributions are never forgotten!
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