On Monday, November 11th, we once again take time to honor the men and women of our armed forces. As a veteran, I believe it is important to understand the history behind this day, for it is only by knowing our past that we can embrace our future.
In the early morning hours of November 11, 1918, in Compiègne, France, the Allied powers signed a ceasefire agreement with Germany, negotiating an end to World War I at 11:00 a.m. that day.
President Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day one year later, saying, “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….”
The original celebration included parades and public meetings following a two-minute suspension of business at 11:00 a. m., the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, the time at which World War I ended.
Between World Wars I and II, November 11 was commemorated as Armistice Day in the United States, Great Britain and France. Following World War II, the holiday became a day of tribute to veterans of both wars. Then, in 1954, the United States designated November 11 as Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars. The Commonwealth of Nations celebrates Armistice Day as well but has renamed it Remembrance Day.
We should take time not only on Veterans Day but every day to show our veterans and military personnel how much we value and appreciate the sacrifices they made and are making every day to keep this country free, democratic and secure. You don’t necessarily need to accomplish that by speaking the words thank you. You can thank veterans and current military personnel by asking them about their service, what they did while in service, where they were stationed, etc. Go beyond the thank you and show a real interest in their service.
Additionally, I believe that we can thank a veteran by showing and teaching respect for our flag, our national anthem and the history of our country. For me – and many veterans – these are the greatest symbols of our country and the blood, sweat and tears that were shed for our freedom. This is the flag that we veterans served and are serving under, and we stand tall and salute when our national anthem is played. These are the symbols that represent our country as a free nation, and this is the flag that covers the coffins of our fallen.
I would like to take a quote from Retired Admiral William McRaven’s memo to the athletics department at the University of Texas Austin to give, what I believe, is the true meaning as to what our flag represents.
Admiral McRaven said that honoring the flag “is our collective commitment that we will constantly attempt to get better as a nation, to improve as a people, and to use the freedoms we have been given to make the earth a better place.”
A person can also support and thank veterans for their service by volunteering with a service organization or donating to their cause. There are thousands of nonprofits in the United States that help veterans and their families, including many in Minnesota. Before you donate to any such causes, I encourage you to check the organization out to ensure that the majority of the money is going to the program(s) you wish to support. According to CharityNavigator, the typical charity spends 75 percent of its budget on programs. I suggest you look for nonprofits that hit or come close to that benchmark.
Veterans can also support each other by joining local or regional service organizations, such as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, etc. Such organizations can assist veterans with the transition to civilian life, possible feelings of isolation, and the additional traumas associated with military service.
The Cook County Veteran Services office is open Monday through Friday. Office hours are updated weekly on the office voicemail and office door. I encourage all veterans no matter what their age or circumstances are to come in and explore what benefits may be available to them. I cannot stress enough that VA benefits are benefits a veteran has earned through their service to our country. No other veteran will do without their benefits because of the benefits another veteran is receiving.
The Cook County Veteran Services Office appreciates and values all veterans and their sacrifices and their willingness to serve our country and keep us safe.
County Connections is a column on timely topics and service information from your Cook County government. Cook County – Supporting Community Through Quality Public Service.
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