Celebrating Veterans Day: Honoring Our Heroes
As this weekend approaches, the United States gears up to celebrate one of its most solemn and significant holidays: Veterans Day. This day, observed annually on November 11th, is dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration, recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans for the country’s freedom and security.
The History Behind Veterans Day
Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. It was first celebrated in 1919, and in 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all veterans, not just those who served in World War I. This change reflected the nation’s desire to acknowledge the sacrifices of veterans in all wars.
Why We Celebrate Veterans Day
This day serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and dedication of those who have put on the military uniform. This is a day to show we appreciate their service, remember their sacrifices, and acknowledge the challenges they faced during and after their service. It’s not just about those who served in combat- it’s about every man and woman who bravely took the oath to protect our nation.
What are some ways to honor Veterans Day?
- Attend Local Events: Many communities organize parades, ceremonies, and other events to honor veterans. Attending these events is a great way to show support and learn more about the sacrifices made by military personnel.
- Visit a Veterans Hospital or Home: Spending time with veterans, listening to their stories, and expressing gratitude can have a profound impact on both the veterans and those who learn from them.
- Educational Activities: Schools often organize programs or invite veterans to speak. These activities help the younger generation understand the importance of Veterans Day.
- Support Veterans’ Charities: Many organizations work to support veterans in various ways, from providing medical care to assisting with job placements. Donating to these causes is a meaningful way to give back. Some of these include:
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV): DAV offers a variety of services to disabled veterans, from helping them access benefits to providing transportation to medical appointments. They focus on ensuring that veterans can lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. Link: DAV : Disabled American Veterans
- Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): This organization is well-known for its efforts to assist service members
who incurred physical or mental injuries, illnesses, or wounds while serving in the military post-September 11, 2001. WWP offers programs that aid in rehabilitation and recovery, as well as support for economic empowerment and engagement. Link: WWP (woundedwarriorproject.org) - Fisher House Foundation: Fisher House provides free or low-cost lodging to veterans and their families while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at or near military and VA medical centers nationwide. Link: Fisher House Foundation
- Homes For Our Troops (HFOT): HFOT builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Link: Impact of Accessible Homes for Injured Veterans (hfotusa.org)
Operation Homefront: This charity provides critical financial assistance, transitional and permanent housing, and family support services to prevent short-term needs from turning into chronic, long-term struggles for military families. Link: Operation Homefront – Operation Homefront- Team Rubicon: Uniquely, Team Rubicon primarily focuses on deploying veterans to disaster zones, harnessing their skills and experiences to provide relief and assistance in emergencies. Link: Home – Team Rubicon (teamrubiconusa.org)
- Gary Sinise Foundation: Established by actor Gary Sinise, this foundation serves our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need. They provide a range of programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities. Link: Home | Gary Sinise Foundation
The American Legion: As one of the oldest veterans’ organizations, The American Legion advocates patriotism and honor, promotes a strong national security, and provides support to veterans, servicemembers, and communities. Link: The American Legion a U.S. Veterans Association- Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA): IAVA specifically advocates for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, focusing on issues like health, education, employment, and building a lasting community for vets. Link: Home – IAVA
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): The VFW offers a wide range of assistance programs aimed at helping veterans of every generation, including financial grants, scholarship programs, mental wellness campaigns, and advocacy for veterans’ rights in Washington, D.C. Link: The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. – VFW.
PTSD Foundation of America: foundation focuses on aiding veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Through programs like Camp Hope (which is based here in northwest Houston!), they offer interim housing, counseling, and peer support for combat veterans and their families. Their work emphasizes both mental health support and public awareness, playing a vital role in the reintegration and healing process for affected veterans. Link: PTSD Foundation of America | Providing Hope and Healing for the Unseen Wounds of War (ptsdusa.org)
- Display the Flag: Flying the American flag is a traditional way to show patriotism and honor veterans.
- Moment of Silence: Participating in the national moment of silence at 11 AM on November 11th is a simple yet powerful way to pay tribute to those who have served.
The Personal Touch: Sharing Stories and Expressions of Thanks
Veterans Day is also a time for personal reflection and connection. Sharing stories of family members or friends who have served, writing thank-you letters to veterans, or simply expressing appreciation to those you know who have served, can make the day more meaningful.
In conclusion, Veterans Day is more than just a holiday; it’s a day of national unity and gratitude. This is a day to come together as a nation to honor those who have given so much for our freedoms. By participating in celebrations, educating ourselves and others, and showing our appreciation, we keep the spirit of this important day alive. Let’s take this opportunity to thank our veterans for their service and remember their sacrifices, not just on Veterans Day, but every day.
Here at the Herd Law Firm, PLLC, we support veterans and their families, and believe they deserve quality and attentive legal representation. We are a Tomball law firm based in northwest Houston, and are proud to be able to aid our veterans and their loved ones in seeking restitution for their injuries. We are honored to have been entrusted by the VFW to handle all Camp Lejeune Justice Act claims on behalf of veterans and their families. Contact us at the Herd Law Firm at 713-955-4299 or at Charles.herd@herdlawfirm.com to speak with us about the full spectrum of legal options you have, and make an informed choice.
“Never was so much owed by so many, to so few.” – Winston Churchill
11/10/2023
