How to Honor Veterans this Veterans Day
Dr. Will G. Barnes, CMFT is a Military Clinical Consultant for Operation Home and Healing and the Post-Graduate Certificate Program. He is also a Former Chaplain, Colonel, US Army.
In 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month, the world rejoiced and celebrated.
After four years of bitter war, an armistice was signed. The “war to end all wars” was over. November 11, 1919 was set aside as Armistice Day in the United States, to remember the sacrifices that men and women made during World War I in order to ensure a lasting peace. However, it wasn’t till 1938, 20 years after the war, that Congress approved it as a federal holiday.
In 1954, after World War II required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 by striking the word “Armistice” and inserting in its place the word “Veterans”. November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. Veterans Day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military – in wartime and equally important in peacetime.
This Veterans Day, please remember to thank a Veteran.
You can thank veterans that you know personally, your grandparent, uncle, aunt, mother father, sibling, cousin or friend. Surprise a veteran or their family member with a random anonymous act of kindness. Mention the veterans that you know and their service to your work colleagues, friends, family and acquaintances. Help remind others about how special veterans are to all of us. Attend a local parade or ceremony on Veterans Day. Make a contribution to the “Fisher House Foundation” (comfort homes, built on the grounds of a major military installation) or other nonprofit organizations that provide comfort and care to veterans in need. Befriend a veteran by volunteering at a place like VA Nursing Home or Wounded Warrior Visit a veterans’ cemetery and read the headstones.
To truly honor veterans daily, love our country with passion as veterans do and help to make it a better place.
Donate to Operation Home and Healing to ensure quality mental health care for veterans, active military members, and their families.