Each year on November 11, the United States observes Veterans Day to honor the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” in 1918, when World War I came to an end.
Veterans Day is dedicated to all military veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during wartime or peacetime. This includes veterans who served in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There are many ceremonies on Veterans Day, with one of the most notable taking place at Arlington National Cemetery. At 11 a.m., the President of the United States places a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, accompanied by representatives from each branch of the military.
The Tomb, which is situated on a hill overlooking Washington, D.C., is a white marble sarcophagus, adorned with three Greek figures on the front side representing Peace, Victory, and Valor. There are also six wreaths, three sculpted on each side, which represent the six major campaigns of World War I. On the back of the Tomb there is an inscription that reads: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.“
The ceremony then continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors by veteran organizations.
Each year there is a different theme for Veterans Day. This year, the theme is “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service,” which reflects the commitment and experiences of all our military.
As we commemorate this day, we should consider meaningful ways to show our appreciation to all veterans. Beyond the parades and ceremonies held in our towns to honor our veterans, there are many more personal gestures we can take to make a profound impact. Volunteering at veterans hospitals and nursing homes or supporting organizations such as the Vietnam Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, Wounded Warrior Project, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), provide critical support to veterans in need of medical care, housing assistance, and workforce resources.
One of the simplest, yet most impactful ways to honor veterans is by offering a sincere “thank you” to veterans we may encounter. For many veterans, this small gesture means more than we may realize, as it acknowledges the sacrifices they’ve made to protect our families and uphold our freedoms.
It is important for our younger generation to understand the meaning of Veterans Day. This day is more than just a break from school — it’s an opportunity for parents and guardians to explain to their children what it means to be a veteran. Educators can help by encouraging discussions about Veterans Day, or by arranging visits to Veterans Day services.
Let us remember to honor our veterans not only on November 11 but throughout the year, as their sacrifices merit our continual respect and gratitude.
