Veterans Day
Veterans Day stands as one of America’s most significant holidays, honoring the courage and sacrifice of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day, which commemorates those who died in service, Veterans Day celebrates all military veterans, living and deceased. The holiday originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, an armistice between Allied forces and Germany took effect, silencing the guns of the Great War. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11, 1919, as the first commemoration, calling it a day to reflect on the heroism of those who died in service and to express gratitude for victory and peace. In 1938, Armistice Day became an official federal holiday, initially dedicated to world peace and honoring World War I veterans. However, after World War II and the Korean War added millions more veterans to America’s ranks, the holiday’s scope felt too narrow. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the name to Veterans Day, expanding recognition to honor American veterans of all wars. The timing itself carries profound meaning. The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month represents a moment when the world collectively exhaled after unprecedented devastation.
This precise timestamp reminds us that peace, once achieved, must be preserved. The poppy flower has become an enduring symbol associated with Veterans Day, inspired by the World War I poem “In Flanders Fields.” These red blooms grew abundantly on European battlefields, representing both the blood shed and the resilient hope that life continues after conflict. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery serves as another powerful symbol. Guarded continuously since 1937, it represents all service members whose remains were never identified, ensuring that even the nameless are never forgotten. Veterans Day reminds us that freedom isn’t free—it’s protected by ordinary people who make extraordinary commitments. These men and women leave families, interrupt careers, and risk everything to serve something larger than themselves. As we observe Veterans Day, we’re called not just to remember history, but to actively honor those who served. Whether through a simple “thank you,” attending a ceremony, or supporting veteran organizations, we acknowledge that our daily freedoms rest on their shoulders. Their service spans generations, conflicts, and circumstances, but the common thread remains: they answered when their country called.
8 Estrella Publishing - The Hamlet magazine
November 2025
Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker