Honoring our veterans — past and present

On November 9, 1945 – 75 years ago this week – Raymond Weeks was honorably discharged from the US Navy after serving his country during World War II. Two days later, Weeks and millions of Americans observed Armistice Day, the annual remembrance of all who had perished in World War I. While Weeks understood the importance of paying tribute to those who laid down their lives in battle, he also believed that there should be an occasion for Americans to express their solemn gratitude and appreciation to all who’ve worn our nation’s uniform — past and present.

In the years that followed, Weeks led a national movement to expand the holiday to honor all of the brave men and women of our nation’s Armed Forces; and in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower officially established November 11 as Veterans Day. Since then, the day has served as an annual opportunity for us to recognize our veterans’ selflessness and commitment to protecting our ideals and our freedom, and as a day for remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve and promote our democracy and our way of life.

Throughout our history, American troops have beat back the forces of tyranny and oppression. In doing so, they’ve spread the cause of liberty to all corners of the world. Their courage and their service are the reasons that Americans and our freedom-loving allies abroad are able to engage in open debate, to question their government, and to exercise the right to elect their leaders.

Like everything this year, this Veterans Day will be different than past years. Yet there are still many ways to honor our men and women in uniform – publicly and privately, individually and collectively.

Today and every day, please join me in celebrating the service and heroism of our nation’s veterans and their families.

Click here to learn about UBS's commitment to supporting and hiring veterans.