Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime.
Reports are there are around 17.5 million Veteran’s in the United States. While Alabama has Veteran’s in all 67 counties, Alaska, Virginia and Wyoming are reported to have the most Veteran’s who reside in their state.
In Alabama, Coffee County is reported to have the largest number of Veteran’s. Those who served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, both Gulf Wars, and World War 2. The Veteran’s are reported to make up 16% of the population of Coffee County.
Veterans by war reported in Coffee County
- World War II: 23
- Korean War: 149
- Vietnam War: 1,488
- Gulf War (08/1990 to 08/2001): 2,510
- Gulf War (09/2001 or later): 2,948
Henry County
Percent of residents that are veterans: 9.2% (1,283 veterans)
Veterans by war:
- World War II: 0
- Korean War: 52
- Vietnam War: 419
- Gulf War (08/1990 to 08/2001): 442
- Gulf War (09/2001 or later): 451
Houston County
- Percent of residents that are veterans: 9.8% (8,126 veterans)
Veterans by war:
- World War II: 95
- Korean War: 324
- Vietnam War: 2,558
- Gulf War (08/1990 to 08/2001): 2,550
- Gulf War (09/2001 or later): 2,337
Geneva County
Percent of residents that are veterans: 10.3% (2,129 veterans)
Veterans by war:
- World War II: 16
- Korean War: 77
- Vietnam War: 755
- Gulf War (08/1990 to 08/2001): 577
- -Gulf War (09/2001 or later): 674
Dale County
Percent of residents that are veterans: 14.6% (5,195 veterans)
Veterans by war:
- World War II: 0
- Korean War: 159
- Vietnam War: 1,602
- Gulf War (08/1990 to 08/2001): 1,891
- Gulf War (09/2001 or later): 1,717
November 11 is significant for Veterans Day because it marks the anniversary of the November 11, 1918, armistice that ended World War I. The holiday originated as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of the war, and the date of the armistice was the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month”. In 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor veterans of all U.S. wars.
- Armistice Day:
On November 11, 1918, an armistice was signed between the Allied nations and Germany, officially ending combat in World War I. This date was first commemorated the following year as Armistice Day.
- Expansion to Veterans Day:
After World War II and the Korean War, it was decided that the day should honor all veterans, not just those from World War I.
- Name change:
In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday to Veterans Day.
- Return to traditional date:
The date was briefly moved to the fourth Monday in October by a 1968 law, but it was returned to November 11 in 1978 due to the date’s historical significance.
- Global observance:
Many countries that fought in the World Wars also commemorate November 11. For example, Canada has Remembrance Day and Great Britain has Remembrance Sunday.
You can honor veterans on Veterans Day by saying “thank you,” attending local parades and ceremonies, and supporting veteran-focused organizations through donations or volunteering. Other ways include treating them to a meal, sending a card or care package, supporting veteran-owned businesses, and observing a moment of silence at 11 a.m.
Direct and personal gestures
- Say thank you: A simple, direct “thank you” to veterans you know or encounter can be very meaningful.
- Treat them to a meal: Buy a veteran a meal or a gift card to their favorite restaurant.
- Write a letter or send a care package: Send a heartfelt card or a care package to a veteran you know, or to a deployed service member through an organization like Blue Star Moms.
- Listen to their stories: Spend time with a veteran and let them share their experiences.
- Encourage children to participate: Help children create cards or do school projects about veterans to teach them the importance of the day.
Support veteran organizations
Common Veterans Day traditions include public ceremonies like parades and wreath-laying, especially at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Many communities also observe an 11 a.m. moment of silence to honor the end of WWI. Additionally, it is common to support veterans directly through volunteering, patronizing veteran-owned businesses, or sending care packages.
Today, in Dothan, at 11:00 AM the VFW Club on Taylor Road held a special ceremony honoring the Veteran’s.
Veterans Day honors all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in times of war or peace. The purpose is to recognize their patriotism, willingness to serve and sacrifice, and their contributions to national security. This is different from Memorial Day, which specifically honors those who died in service.
- Honoring all service members: The holiday is a day of gratitude for all veterans, regardless of when or where they served.
- Distinction from Memorial Day: While Memorial Day remembers those who died in battle, Veterans Day is meant to thank living veterans for their service and sacrifice.
- Our veterans are crucial to life as we know it today because they protect our freedom, provide us with a way to learn about our history and the world around us, and risk their lives for people they have never met.
It’s also important to remember not to make assumptions when acknowledging a veteran. Women often get overlooked for their service, especially if they are alongside males. Women are typically the “invisible veteran,” particularly on days like Veterans Day.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED THESE, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
