Community Corner
The Importance of Saying 'Thank You' to Veterans
It's the job of parents to teach their children to thank members of the armed forces for their service.
As moms we all know how much we have to be thankful for. Our children’s health, a safe community to live in, a school system where students can learn and grow all top most moms’ lists.
What we don’t always think about, however, is why all of these things are possible. As moms we work hard to drill the words “Thank You” into our children’s’ heads but, alas, we often forget to use it ourselves.
We don’t always think about how lucky we are to have our freedom and to live in a nation where we can raise our children with confidence that they, too, will always be free. Simply put, we don’t always take the time to look around us and acknowledge the men and women who have fought and continue to fight for our freedom.
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One of the most important days to take time out to say that “thank you” is Veterans Day. Originally called Armistice Day the tradition marks the day that, in 1918, a cessation of hostilities between the Allied Nations and Germany went into effect and eventually lead to the end of WWI.
According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, "In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: ‘To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
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Armistice Day eventually became a legal holiday in 1938. Later, in 1954 after both WWII and the Korean War, the name was changed to Veterans’ Day and the holiday became a chance to honor American veterans of all wars.
Today, Veteran’s Day is celebrated as part of a three day weekend for most people and marked with ceremonies and remembrances across the country. No two celebrations are exactly the same but they are all meant to honor those who have fought for our nation.
As a mom I feel responsible for reminding my son to take the time to think about what he has and to remember that, without the dedicated service of our United State Veterans, much of it would simply not exist.
I strive to be thankful, not just on Veterans’ Day, but all year round for those brave men and woman who continue to risk their lives to keep us safe.
