The meaning behind Veteran’s Day and how to thank a veteran

Growing up, I have always celebrated Veteran’s Day at my school. Ever since I was a child, I would attend a Veteran’s Day program. This program was such an important way of thanking those who have served our country. Before going to this Veteran’s Day program as a child, I did not understand what Veteran’s Day was.

Veteran’s Day was originally known as Armistice Day. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Day was established on November 11, 1919 by President Wilson. As he said, “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 fed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…” 

President Wilson proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11th, 1919 so we can honor those who took the greatest sacrifice of them all, serving for the United States of America.

Veteran’s Day is so important for many reasons. Without those who have served the United States of America, we would not have the freedoms we have today. Such as choosing a career path, being able to vote or having the choice of choosing where we live.

These men and women have risked their lives for us. Honor those who have risked leaving their family and good health for us. We may not understand all that a veteran has been through, it is still so important to thank them for their sacrifices. 

How will you be spending Veteran’s Day? It is not just considered a day off from classes, it is a real holiday that needs to be honored. I can’t remember the last time I haven’t attended a Veteran’s Day program or said thank you to a veteran. There are so many things you can do to thank a veteran, even if it is during a pandemic.

Not sure how to thank a veteran for their service?  Send a care package to a veteran. If you are not sure who is a veteran in your area, get in contact with your American Legion, the Fargo Vet Center or Veterans Affairs. 

Even if you are not comfortable with sending a care package there are many other ways you can honor those who have served the United States of America. Handwritten letters or a postcard would be another good idea to thank those who have served. I have written multiple letters to veterans thanking them for their service, you can too. Buy them a meal, hold the door open, go to a Veterans Day service.

Veterans thank you for serving our country. Thank you for the job well done. Thank you for giving us the freedom we now have today. God Bless the USA.