Veterans Day

Veterans Day pays homage to American Service Patriots who put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms enjoyed by the people of our great nation. November 11th is a special day to honor the men and women who have served our country so that we can enjoy our God given liberties.

Veterans Day was formerly known as Armistice Day, and was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I, and officially originated on November 11, 1918, when declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Veterans Day is the one day of the year to honor and recognize the brave, honorable, dedicated, patriotic, selfless, and self-sacrificing men and women in the U.S. military who believe in something greater than themselves. These Patriots are willing to sacrifice and serve others because they know that only with their service, our nation is protected from potential security threats.

It is also imperative to remember that behind each veteran, there is a family that also sacrifices immensely, as their loved one faces unknown and oftentimes life altering outcomes. The recent loss of our thirteen service men and women as a result of the American government’s withdrawal in Afghanistan is fresh in the minds and hearts of every American. Our hearts go out to the families who lost their loved ones during a situation that has caused heartache for all of us.

As the events of the Afghanistan withdrawal were jarring for most Americans, for those who fought in the 20 year war, the American people are immensely proud and truly appreciate what the brave men and women have done to ensure our safety from an attack on our homeland, following the 9/11 terrorist attack on our nation.

Consequently, the war in Afghanistan was anything but meaningless, and the service rendered by our troops over the last 20 years is nothing short of heroic and awe-inspiring. We could learn a lot as a country from the way our service men and women have stood together, served together, suffered together, and at times died together.

On the next page are some important traditions we can make for Veterans Day to recognize our American heroes:

Hang the American flag at half-mast.

Attend educational events at libraries or museums.

At 11 a.m., observe a period of silence.

Attend ceremonies at the Veteran Association’s National Cemeteries.

Participate in marathon.

Attend musical concerts.

Attend dinners and luncheons.

Attend military demonstrations.

Some simple, yet special ideas for Veterans Day to commemorate all veterans who have served to protect our freedoms:

Attend a Parade - Check RI cities and towns that host some sort of Veterans Day parade. Attend with your family and cheer for those in your area who have fought for your country.

Visit a VA Hospital - See if your local Veterans Association hospital needs volunteers and head over for the day to help with whatever they need. If they’re already slammed with requests for November 11, pick an alternate day when you can make a difference.

Visit a Local Battlefield - Find a historical site near you, such as a battlefield or armory, and head over for the day to learn more about the history of your city and those who fought for it.

Visit a Local Memorial - Many cities have memorials commemorating those who fought for the country. Lay some flowers on the memorial to pay your respects.

Make a Meal - Invite veterans and their families to your church, temple or school for a free meal. Thank them for their service.

Pay It Forward - Offer to pay it forward for the person behind you in line at the store or drive-thru in honor of Veterans Day. Encourage them to do the same by leaving them a simple card with your message of spreading kindness and encouraging others to remember the day. You never know — they might be a veteran!

Also, check out www.aveteranday.com/rhode-islandri-veterans-affairs/ for a list of available programs, benefits, and discounts offered in Rhode Island to our revered Veterans.