Veterans Day – A Day of Gratitude for Those Who Have Gifted Us Freedom through Their Service
In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.” That moment in history became known as Armistice Day the following year, and then November 11th became a federal holiday here in the United States in 1938, which, after World War II and the Korean War, became known as Veterans Day. This holiday, which we commemorate today, is in celebration of all veterans of all wars fought throughout history.
Veterans Day is sometimes confused with Memorial Day, but the latter is to commemorate those who passed in commission of their service to the country. Today though, is Veterans Day, which is a moment we take each year to thank all those who have served in some capacity in conflicts near and far in pursuit of the freedoms we all relish so dearly in this country. Additionally, remember many have served during peacetime, learning, practicing, and also serving their communities in many ways we seldom hear tell of.
Many of us attain careers to better our lives, garner more money for ourselves, and sustain the future of our children. Veterans have a calling for any number of reasons that went beyond their own good to serving that of millions of people whom they never met. We owe a massive debt of gratitude to those who leave families, homes, and the comforts of lives, such as most of us experience, to put themselves in harm’s way to serve a greater cause than themselves.
We know that discord in politics, religions, and so many topics rage in this country today. Veterans serve all of us. They had no choice in who they protected, where they might be sent, or the sacrifices they might be called on to make. They are the foundation of a country that believes we all deserve freedom of speech, religion, and personal choices. Freedoms, though, have a cost and require human capital to fund them, as we have learned throughout the totality of human history. For the veterans who answered the call for service to something beyond themselves, we thank them today. For those serving still – we appreciate your service, and all sleep more peacefully at night for the work you all do and did on our behalf!
Happy Veterans Day, Suncoast!
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