VETERANS DAY

Veterans Day: Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and the Ongoing Promise of Care 

Every November 11, Americans pause to honor the millions of men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. But Veterans Day is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a reflection of who we are as a nation and how we choose to honor those who’ve defended it.

Today, fewer than 7% of Americans have served in the military. That means the responsibility of remembrance belongs to all of us to ensure that every veteran’s story, every sacrifice, and every step toward home is met with gratitude and care. This observance is not only about looking back on service rendered but also about recognizing the ongoing commitment our country owes to those who have served.

For many veterans, the transition to civilian life brings challenges that go far beyond the battlefield, including navigating the VA system, securing healthcare, and finding steady employment or support for disabilities. 

Veterans Day calls attention to these realities, reminding us that gratitude must be followed by action. It’s a day to thank, to listen, and to stand with those who’ve given so much in the name of service. 

HERO SPOTLIGHT

Sergeant Alvin C. York: A Reluctant Soldier Who Became a Legend 

Few figures capture the meaning of Veterans Day more fully than Sergeant Alvin Cullum York, whose courage in World War I turned a humble Tennessee farmhand and blacksmith into one of America's most celebrated heroes.

Born in 1887 in the rural community of Pall Mall, TN, York was the third of eleven children. He grew up hunting in the mountains to help feed his family, developing sharp aim, patience, and discipline. Though he earned a reputation for drinking and fighting as a young man, a powerful religious awakening around 1914-1915 changed his life, steering him toward pacifism and faith.

When drafted in 1917, York initially sought conscientious objector status, citing his beliefs against killing. His request was denied, and after deep reflection and consultation with his superiors, he chose to serve, believing that defending others aligned with his faith. He joined the 82nd Division and was soon deployed to the battlefields of France.

On Oct. 8, 1918, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, York's unit was ambushed by German machine gun fire. With his commanding officers down, York and seven other men advanced through the chaos. Using his hunting instincts and calm precision, York silenced enemy positions, killing more than 20 German soldiers. Facing a bayonet charge, he stood his ground and, with his small squad, captured 132 German soldiers, turning the tide of battle.

For his valor, York received the Medal of Honor, the Croix de Guerre, and other international decorations. Yet he returned home with humility, saying simply that he was guided by faith, not fame. Instead of profiting from his story, he dedicated his life to education and service, founding the Alvin C. York Institute to help children in rural Tennessee build better futures.

Sergeant York's life remains a timeless example of how conviction and courage can transform a seemingly ordinary person into an extraordinary symbol of duty and humility. His story reminds us that the greatest heroes are often those who never sought to be one.

THE HISTORY OF VETERANS DAY

The origins of Veterans Day date back to the end of World War I, often referred to as "the war to end all wars." On Nov. 11, 1918, the Allied nations and Germany signed an armistice, marking the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front. The date soon became known as Armistice Day, a moment to honor those who fought and died in the Great War.

In 1938, Congress designated Armistice Day as a federal holiday to honor World War I veterans and promote the cause of world peace. However, after World War II and the Korean War, millions more Americans had served, and the nation recognized the need for a more comprehensive tribute. In 1954, then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower, himself a five-star general, signed a bill officially changing the name to Veterans Day, honoring all U.S. veterans, past and present.

Since then, November 11 has been a national symbol of unity and remembrance. Parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and moments of silence mark the day in communities across the nation. At 11 a.m., the traditional hour of the armistice, many Americans pause to reflect not only on battles fought overseas but also on the quiet strength veterans carry at home.

Veterans Day continues to evolve, reminding each generation that service and sacrifice are not relics of history but living commitments. The freedoms we enjoy are safeguarded by those who answered the call, and our responsibility is to ensure their courage is never forgotten. 

WEBSITES AND RESOURCES

Ways to Find and Participate in Veterans Day Observances 

If you’d like to show your support for deployed soldiers, below are trusted organizations that make it easy to send care packages, write letters, or contribute to programs that lift the spirits of our troops and their families.

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Veterans Day National Committee:  

One of the largest volunteer networks supporting deployed troops. You can “adopt” a deployed service member, join a letter-writing team, or send care packages with essentials and snacks.  

• National Veterans Day Parade (Birmingham, Alabama):  

Known as the country’s first and largest Veterans Day parade, this event honors veterans from every branch of service. The official site also lists affiliated parades and celebrations throughout the United States. 

• The American Legion – Local Posts and Veterans Day Events: 

Local American Legion posts frequently organize Veterans Day ceremonies, flag placements, and community breakfasts. The Legion’s website includes a post locator to help veterans and families find nearby events and volunteer opportunities. 

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) – Community Parades and Ceremonies:  

VFW posts host observances across the country, often in coordination with city governments and schools. Their events honor veterans of all generations and provide opportunities to participate in flag ceremonies or wreath layings. 

• Veterans Day Meals and Deals – Military.com:   

Each year, restaurants, retailers, and service providers across the nation offer free meals, discounts, and special offers to veterans and active-duty service members as a token of appreciation. Military.com compiles a comprehensive list of these deals so veterans and their families can easily find offers nearby. 

• Local Government and State VA Offices: 
  Many state and municipal veterans agencies maintain lists of local observances. Check out your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs or city website for information on parades, memorial dedications, and volunteer opportunities in your area.