Hug a Veteran Today

Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

One of the many reasons I fell in love with Waconia and Carver County is the love and appreciation we show to members of our armed forces. When I heard about the WWII Veteran's trip to Washington DC Project, and saw how well it was executed and embraced by the community - and appreciated by the Veterans and their families - I knew that this was a special place. And if you follow this blog at all, you know how I feel about our service men and women.

While that was a once-in-a-lifetime project, this town's love for Vets didn't begin or end there. For example, If you have been by Southview Elementary lately, you can't miss the display on the west entrance (pictured).

Veteran's Day is on November 11, because World War I ended on 11/11/1918 at 11am - originally known as Armistice Day. Here is some other stuff you probably didn't know about Veteran's Day:

In November 1919, President Woodrow 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…"

On October 8th, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower issued the first Veterans Day Proclamation which stated:

In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

"Today we send a clear message to all who have worn the uniform: Thank you for your courage, thank you for your sacrifice, and thank you for standing up when your nation needed you most," - President George W. Bush, November 11, 2008.

Please take a minute and hug a Veteran today. Let them know you appreciate their dedication and sacrifice for your freedoms.

Thanks, Dad. I am never more proud of you than on Veteran's Day.

Source: US Dept of Veteran's Affairs
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