Nov. 9, 2015
Scribe Staff
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Veterans Day, which falls on Nov. 11, is often a misunderstood holiday.
In a town with such a high presence of military, this should not be the case.
People often don’t know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day was created following the Civil War, as a day to pay tribute to the people that died in service. Veterans Day, on the other hand, was created to honor all veterans.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs website, although World War I didn’t officially end until the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, the actual fighting ceased on Nov. 11, 1918.
President Woodrow Wilson declared that Nov. 11 would forever be Armistice Day.
“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,” he said.
Armistice Day, later known as Veterans Day, was celebrated with parades, public meetings and a brief break from work at 11 a.m.
On May 13, 1938, Congress officially recognized Nov. 11 as a legal holiday. Congress planned for the day to be dedicated to world peace.
President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation and signed HR7786, which renamed Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
Veterans Day includes all those who have served their country, whether it was in the Korean War, Vietnam, Persian Gulf or Iraq.
Now that we’ve had a history lesson, take time this Wednesday to remember what it has taken to secure our freedom.
Because more often than not, we take it for granted.
It doesn’t take much – just stop in a moment on your day, and take a moment to reflect.
But don’t do it because you feel obligated, do it because it’s the respectful thing to do.
Veterans are still raging a war, just not overseas. Many are facing problems such as post-traumatic-stress-disorder and financial care here in America. Veteran’s Day should also highlight the need to help these individuals.
We live in Colorado Springs, it is a real possibility that someone near you is a veteran. You probably know at least one.
Talk with them. Learn from them.