Veterans Day is a United States public holiday observed on November 11 of every year to honor all persons who have served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces.
It doesn't make a difference if they served in war or peacetime, they raised their right hand and swore an oath:
"I, (state your full name), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
Taking this oath for myself and my brothers and sisters is a lifetime commitment that we'll never forget or relinquish. At anytime those of us serving knew that we could be called upon to perform duties that could be life threatening in war, in a conflict, or even during major training events preparing us for future wars. We knew it was a dangerous business 365 days a year.
Each year there are National ceremonies commemorating Veterans Day all across this great nation. One of the most important is held at the memorial amphitheater built around the Tomb of the Unknowns and at 11 AM on November 11, a color guard representing all military services executes “Present Arms” at the tomb. Then the presidential wreath is laid upon the tomb. Finally, the bugler plays taps. Remembrance of those who gave all!
Dwight Eisenhower said:
"...it is well for us to pause, to acknowledge our debt to those who paid so large a share of freedom's price. As we stand here in grateful remembrance of the veterans' contributions we renew our conviction of individual responsibility to live in ways that support the eternal truths upon which our Nation is founded, and from which flows all its strength and all its greatness."
Each and every Veterans Day should be a time when all of Americans stop and remember the brave men and women who have risked their lives for the United States of America, for our freedoms during peacetime and war, and why we stand and respect the American Flag.
What does Veterans Day mean to me personally:
“Remember this and its meaning runs deep for me and all those who served this great nation: "Respect Always - Warriors for Life!" – COL (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
Take a moment on this Veterans Day, pay tribute to all that served, stand for the Red, White, and Blue, and think about what it truly means to you!