Introduction
November 11 each year is Veterans Day, a legal holiday in the United States, honoring military veterans who served in the U.S. military. Veterans Day 2024 will, however, be a further reminder of the courage of those who protect this country. This paper then looks into the details regarding Veterans Day; its history and importance as well as ways of honoring the veterans in the year 2024.
The Origins of Veterans Day
Veterans Day was previously referred to as Armistice Day as pari pasu the day is set aside to remember the signing of the peace treaty in World War I. The end of active hostilities in this case happened at exactly 11 am in the 11th day of the eleventh month in the year 1918. I
n 1938 the United States Congress proclaimed armistice day fall on November 11 a day set aside for the commemoration of the fallen soldiers of the World war. However, it was only after World War II and then the Korean War that this holiday was made thinkable for all military personnel instead of the most typical one for a veteran of older wars.
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an act of Congress declaring that Armistice Day would hereafter be known as Veterans Day, thereby extending the day’s meaning to all American veterans and not just those who died in World War I.
This evolution showed how patriotic service in many wars became acknowledged as deserving honor.
The Significance of Veterans Day
In the United States, this holiday remembers and appreciates all the soldiers who fought for the country.
You remember and appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans who survived and those who perished in the battle. Many programs, parades, memorials, and education events can be seen all over the country.
Probably the most important place related to Veterans Day is the Tomb of Unknowns, in Arlington National Cemetery.
This site exists in honor of those soldiers who fought and died for the country but could not be identified. Another event that carries deep significance regarding honoring our veterans is the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb.
Celebrating Veterans Day 2024
In 2024, Veterans Day is on Monday, creating a long break for many federal workers and people in general for various activities. It is indeed a day dedicated to celebrating veterans; here are a few ways of doing that on this important day:
1. Participate in Community Gatherings
A lot of localities organize activities such as parades, commemorations, and other functions in honor of Veterans Day. A good number of these occasions are encouraging for veterans and are informative regarding veterans and their role in the society.
2. Go to Arlington National Cemetery
There are many ways to pay respect to the veterans and one of them is to go to Arlington National Cemetery. The cemetery is the burial place of countless soldiers, and visiting the graves or taking part in the activities at the dead person’s home can be a very emotional thing to do.
3. Non Profitable Veteran Oriented Organizations
There are several institutions today which care and look after the veterans and their families and are doing great work. Please consider giving to – or helping – an organization that offers everything from career counseling to mental health care to housing for veterans.
4. Learn and Encourage Others to Learn as Well
Spare a minute or two and find out how Veteran’s Day came to be and what it is that veterans go through. This will help in appreciation of the many sacrifices made and how important these people are to the families and society.
5. (Encourage) Thank A Veteran
Often just saying ‘thank’ for the service is inscribed value of appreciation for the veteran services rendered. It could be a relative, a friend or even a stranger in the vicinity, being thankful has its place and this is very important and powerful.
Federal Government Workers and Their Functions
Veterans Day is rendered as a federal holiday which means the federal employees are given a day free from work to honor all military veterans.
Most of the federal administrations do motivate the workers to undertake some community service such as attending local events that are in support of the veterans.
Conclusion
The seventh of November in the year 2024 is dedicated to all the veterans and even future military veterans in respect of war contribution. Even though it started as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States, which is thankful for and recalls the services of those, who served the US Armed Forces.
We can also add to these WAYS OF REMEMBERING THE VETERANS by joining local events, contributing to organizations which support veterans, or simply saying thank you on such a meaningful day. Let us all come forward and commemorate the service of our brave men and women in uniform and theirs families. Commemoration is the need of the hour and even rejoicing in their hard work put in towards safeguarding the nation.
