Honoring America's Veterans November 11, 2019

On Veterans Day, Koch VETS encourage you to salute our nation’s veterans who accepted the challenge to serve their country and preserve our freedom and way of life. Their willingness to give freely and unselfishly in defense of our democratic principles has sustained our safety and liberty.

Veterans Day is a time to thank all those who accepted the nation’s challenge and honorably served in the U.S. Military – in times of war or peace.

The Great War, World War I, ended at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. In 1919, Americans celebrated the first anniversary of this great victory and called it Armistice Day. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for a national observance on November 11th, and in 1938 they made Armistice Day a national holiday. It wasn’t until 1954 that President Eisenhower changed the federal holiday’s name to Veterans Day. For four years in the early 70’s, the national holiday was moved to the fourth Monday in October as part of the Uniform Holidays Bill, but President Ford returned Veterans Day to November 11th due to the historical significance of the date.

America needs men and women with pride in their country and faith in freedom, unafraid to declare: “I believe in liberty and justice and will fight to defend the dignity of man.” – Richard K Sorenson, USMC Medal of Honor

November 11th is not an exclusive American holiday. Countries like Belgium, Canada, England and France use the same date to honor their veterans. France calls November 11th “Armistice Day.” Canada designated the date as “Remembrance Day. Although Great Britain also calls it “Remembrance Day, their celebration is the second Sunday of each November.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John Fitzgerald Kennedy

This year marks the 100th year since President Wilson proclaimed November 11th a holiday. Currently, Veterans Day commemorates veterans of all wars. It is a day to pay tribute to every man and woman who has served the United States of America with distinction, during peace or war.

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” – Thomas Paine

Just under seven percent of all living Americans have ever served in the U.S. military. These men and women are ordinary people, but they heard the call of duty and answered it. They left their families, their homes, and their lives, not for recognition or fame or even the honor we bestow upon them. They served to protect our country out of patriotism, for their love of country, their willingness to sacrifice for the common good and to maintain our way of life.

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis

Today, less than half of one percent of our population serves our great nation. While over 99 percent enjoy the benefits of peace and prosperity safeguarded by those who protect them, many overlook our veterans’ heroism and contributions to our safety and security. And, others take this service for granted and believe freedom really is free. 

“Veterans put their lives on the line to guarantee the freedoms we enjoy; they did not run from battle, yield to fear, or abandon their cause.” – Judd Greg

Veterans Day is unique in that we honor our living military veterans and those who are actively serving in our Armed Forces. This occasion is a blessing, and we should exercise it with pride, purpose and enthusiasm. If you are a veteran, share your story with others. Let your neighbors know what you’ve done so they can see the many faces of military service and better appreciate the personal sacrifice of veterans. When you explain the impact military service has had on your life and personal values, our nation will be more thankful, and the collective support of our military will be stronger for those who continue to serve.

“Accept Challenge, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory.” – George S. Patton

On November 11, 2019, let’s make sure all our veterans know how much we appreciate them. Our brave and few warriors know that the liberties we enjoy are not guaranteed. So, they volunteered to serve and protect America to advance and defend U.S. values, interests, and objectives. They selflessly served so we could remain safe and free.

 “Charlie-Mike”

“Our Mission is Your Success”

To help you #ConquerTheTransition, we developed our Transition Guide – the ultimate guide for transitioning veterans; use it; download it, print it; share it.