Veterans
Day, which became a national holiday in 1938, is a day to recognize the
contributions of the nation’s veterans.
It was formerly called Armistice Day. The
Armistice of 1918, ending World War I, was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th
day of the 11th month.
In 1954, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans
Day.
Presidential
statement
In
a proclamation, Pres. Barack Obama said:
This
year, in marking the 60th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, we resolved
that in the United States of America, no war should be forgotten, and no
veteran should be overlooked. Let us always remember our wounded, our missing,
our fallen, and their families. And as we continue our responsible drawdown
from the war in Afghanistan, let us welcome our returning heroes with the
support and opportunities they deserve.
Facts
and figures on veterans
In
the U.S., there were 21.2 millions military veterans in 2012, 9.6 million of
whom were 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
In
addition, 17.2 million were non-Hispanic white, 1.6 million were women, 2.3
million were black, 1.2 million were Hispanic, 264,695 were Asian, 153,223 were
American Indian or Alaska Native, and 27,469 were Native Hawaiian or Other
Pacific Islander.
Peace
For
those who are thinking about peace on Veteran’s Day, see the website of Veterans for Peace. The
organization rings bells 11 times on Armistice/Veterans Day instead of shooting
guns and encourages individuals to do so as well.
See the Veterans for Peace website for
events sponsored in your area.
For example, in Portland, Ore., Veterans for
Peace Chapter 72 is offering a Let Peace and Freedom Ring Gathering at 11 a.m. in
Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 S.W. 6th Ave. Participants can bring a bell,
poem, song, or photo of fallen veteran.
For many years, churches rang their bells on
Armistice Day to commemorate the hope of a world without war. Veterans for
Peace wants to reclaim the historic meaning of the day.
The Portland chapter is also sponsoring an
event at 7:30p.m. at the First Unitarian Church of Portland, S.W. Main and 12th
S.W. A prose poem play in three
parts to “celebrate” the 100th Anniversary of World War I, “Til All Need for
Witness Cease” by Kent Shifferd, will be presented.
Support
for veterans
For
those thinking about the welfare of veterans on Veterans Day, see Veterans for Common Sense, a
veterans’ advocacy organization. It says that Veteran’s Day offers the opportunity
to raise awareness about the mental health needs of service members, veterans,
and families.
Free
items
Some
businesses are offering free food to veterans on or near Veterans Day, and some
parks are offering free admission
See
the article “Free Items for Veterans, Active Duty Military on Veterans Day” for
more information.
Veterans
Day sales
If
you’re thinking about making a major purchase, buying lots of holiday gifts, or
shopping for new clothes for the holidays at the Veterans Day sales, be sure to
compare prices and make sure you’re betting a bargain.
The
biggest sales days of the year are coming up. See dealnews.com’s “How Deals
Will Differ on Thanksgiving vs. Black Friday vs. Cyber Monday” for details on
when to buy what.
Best
wishes on Veterans Day.
