Veterans Day is observed to honor and thank the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions to the country. The day also provides a chance to reflect on the challenges veterans may face when returning to civilian life and to celebrate the values they defend, such as freedom and service. Key points about why we observe Veterans Day:
- Historical origin: It originated from Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I on November 11, 1918. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 as Armistice Day to honor those who served in World War I, and the date later became Veterans Day to include all veterans from all eras.
- National observance: Veterans Day is a nationwide day of remembrance and appreciation, typically observed with ceremonies, parades, moments of silence, and expressions of gratitude toward veterans.
- Broad scope: Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died in war, Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. military, living and deceased. It also serves as an opportunity to recognize ongoing service and sacrifice.
If you’d like, I can tailor this explanation to a specific audience (students, coworkers, veterans themselves) or provide a short, ready-to-use message for a Veterans Day tribute.
