Why Veterans Day Really Matters

Veterans Day 2020 is fast approaching. This year, I encourage you to reflect upon the meaning of this holiday in the context of its history and focus your attention on the fundamental values we wish to celebrate as a nation. 

Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was created to commemorate the end of war and the attainment of peace. Every president asks us to honor our veterans’ heroic and extraordinary service and nation-preserving goals. Two such requests have particularly resonated with me: On Veterans Day 1961, President Kennedy asked all citizens to express “our people’s desire for peace and their gratitude to our veterans who have served and sacrificed to attain it.” Over two decades later, on Veterans Day 1986, President Reagan spoke less of peace and more of freedom and patriotism. He asked every citizen to “pay tribute to all those men and women who, throughout our history, have left their homes and loved ones to serve their country. From Valley Forge to Vietnam, through war and peace, valiant, patriotic Americans have answered the call, serving with honor and fidelity.” 

So, this coming Veterans Day, I believe we should take up the call of all our presidents by expressing gratitude for peace and recognizing the fundamental role our military plays in its preservation. Indeed, I ask that each of us go out of our way – do something extraordinary – to thank and praise the women and men who serve our country in the armed forces. Yes, you can and should post thanks on social media. But what if you do not know someone who is presently serving? What can you do?

Honor and serve the families of service members through special gifts or recognition. Every community has veteran service organizations (VSOs) which provide support to military veterans and families. These VSOs focus on issues ranging from PTSD and suicide prevention, to career transition services and temporary housing, to financial assistance and medical transportation, and much more in between. There is no shortage of organizations that exist for the sole purpose of positively impacting the post-military lives of service members. You can help by volunteering to build a house for a veteran, provide on-site coaching at a workforce center or hand out supplies at a veteran homeless shelter. Your actions will help bring to light the issues facing our veterans and raise appreciation for their service.

In an ultra-polarized political world, the military stands as a non-partisan institution that is fully committed to promoting and protecting our societal virtues – prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance. Prudence is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. Justice is the virtue which regulates humans in our dealings with others. Fortitude equates with bravery and endurance. Temperance is related to humility and the power to moderate our desires. 

Perhaps these classic virtues are best described as courage, persistence, self-sacrifice, and righteousness. These qualities are not limited to specific, individual political parties, policies, or legislation—they stand above everything else and need to be celebrated by all citizens. 

These are the reasons why Veterans Day really matters.