Happy Veterans Day!
Today and tomorrow in cities and towns all over our nation, United States military veterans will be honored and remembered. Many churches will have special patriotic services to honor these very special men and women who have served us.
Veterans Day is a special day in the United States. This day is set-aside, for honoring all military veterans; men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans day has a rich history. It actually dates back to November 11, 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson established what was known as Armistice Day. This was the beginning of what would eventually become Veterans Day.
Many changes have taken place since then. In 1926, the United States Congress adopted a resolution requesting President Calvin Coolidge issue annual proclamations calling for the observance of November 11 as Veterans Day. But twelve years passed before it was declared a legal holiday.
In 1954, two United States representatives presented a bill in congress to establish Veterans Day as a holiday. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed that bill into law on May 26, 1954.
Subsequent to that, for seven years Veterans Day was celebrated on the fourth Monday of October. When I worked at the trades as a plumber/pipefitter we always celebrated Veterans Day on the Friday after Thanksgiving. However, in 1978, it was moved back to its original celebration on November 11 and that is where it remains.
What is a veteran? The dictionary defines a veteran as a former member of the armed forces, an old soldier of long service.
Who do you know who is a veteran? Some of the veterans you know and love have preceded us into the next life. Many of us know veterans who are alive and well.
Some veterans served during times of peace. Still others served in times of war and national chaos. There are veterans who feel appreciated. Many do not. Many veterans are still affected by their military service.
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or a series of events. For many years professionals linked PTSD solely to those who served in the military. Today, we know it is experienced in a wider range of people. The veteran you know may experience a mild case of PTSD and for still others the disorder is a major crippling factor in their life.
So, how will you honor the veterans you know? Some people will attend a parade. Others will actually be in a parade.
At our church, we will have a very special service on Sunday that has been in the planning for more than a year. We will have a guest speaker. We will say the pledge and we will sing some great patriotic music. Regardless of how you celebrate, reach out and thank a veteran today. Veterans, we appreciate you and thank you for your service. May God richly bless you!
