Spilling the liber-tea about Veterans Day

Don’t forget to honor veterans this Veterans Day!

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Elesia Guerra

Mark Veterans Day down on your calendars!

Elesia Guerra, Editor-in-Chief

The day to remember those who maintained America’s freedom is quickly approaching. Veterans Day is on November 11th. It is a federal holiday to express honor for the military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. The holiday represents a big moment in history and those who sacrificed because of it. 

Veterans Day is specifically celebrated on November 11th because World War I ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. An armistice was signed at the end of the fighting. The holiday was first called Armistice Day but was eventually changed to Veterans Day to honor the American veterans from all wars. Tribute is paid to all American veterans, whether alive or dead, on Veterans Day. Gratitude is especially shown to the living veterans who bravely served their country. A Veterans Day tradition is held in Arlington National Cemetery. The tradition is an official wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Veterans Day does not just have traditions but it also has one well-known symbol. 

Veterans Day has a direct connection to its symbol of red poppies. The red poppy is a symbol of both hope and remembrance. It is also a representation of the blood shed during battle succeeding Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae’s wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” On Veterans Day, Americans don’t usually wear the poppies as they are worn more on Memorial Day, but the symbolism is tied to the holiday. 

Don’t forget to express gratitude to veterans on this holiday! Even the simplest words can be meaningful to them, for example, saying, “Thank you for your service.” There are also many Veterans Day parades to attend which can provide a way to join in on the celebration and pay tribute to the veterans there. Thank you to all the veterans for providing protection and doing all they have done for the United States. 

 

History.com Editors. “Veterans Day 2022.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 14 Oct. 2009, https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/history-of-veterans-day.