Truman VA Veterans Day Event 2018

I want to thank everyone for joining us Friday afternoon in observance of Veterans Day. As a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran myself, I appreciate your presence — and the support it offers to all who have served.

Here at Truman VA we like to say that “every day is Veterans Day,” and although we feel it’s an honor and privilege to care for our Veterans, the month of November is a special time. In fact, this year is the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One – a conflict that started the observance of a special day to remember and honor Veterans.

One hundred years ago this coming Sunday, the “war to end all wars” unofficially ended on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month. I say unofficially because the war didn’t actually end until almost eight months later in June of 1919 with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. However, it was this temporary truce – known as an armistice – that initially stopped hostilities on that November day in 1918. And with that truce, one of the deadliest conflicts in human history came to a halt.

And so, on the one-year anniversary – November 11, 1919 – the United States remembered those who had served in the military during World War One on a day that was called, “Armistice Day.” In 1926, congress passed a resolution for an annual observance, and in 1938, Armistice Day became a national holiday. However, in 1954, following WWII and the Korean War, the name Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day so that all Veterans would be included.

Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all Veterans who have served their country honorably during war and peacetime. Although one day each year historically has been set aside for this observance, that recently has changed. Last year, by presidential proclamation, November became Veterans and Military Families Month. And I think this is very important.

Something that we always stress when talking about how special our Veterans are, is also how special their families are. We must never forget the sacrifices that the families of our Veterans have made – either during their loved one’s period of military service or after. We also know that it often falls to them to cope with unique physical and emotional needs because of their Veterans’ military service. And of course, we also appreciate their sacrifices and support as we deliver care to their loved ones.

This is what our event Friday was all about. Therefore, from one Veteran to another, and to their families, I want to say, “thank you for your service.” 

David Isaacks