Honoring Veterans
Let's start with a brief history lesson - on November 11th, 1918, on the 11th day of the 11th month on the 11th hour, the Allied Nations and Germany ceased hostilities in an armistice that would proverbially end World War I until the Treaty of Versailles was signed the following year in June.
*In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "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…"
95 years later, we continue to commemorate the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country - in many wars and conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. It is a poignant honor, however, as we learn that more and more veterans find themselves without homes, food, shelter, healthcare and many basic needs deserved not just by them, but by any person in our country; **a December 2011 report found that one in seven homeless people is a former military member. There are things you and your family can do to help however:
- The US Dept. of Veterans Affairs "Help for Homeless Veterans Programs" has wallet cards with help numbers and resources you can print and have on hand to give out to homeless veterans: http://www.va.gov/homeless/
- Encourage family members young and old, whom have served, to share their stories with you and your children and let kids ask questions and discuss what it means to be a military member.
- Keep extra sandwiches, snacks, water bottles and warm gloves on hand if you work or go on a family outing in an area where you may pass a homeless person.
- Visit a veteran's hospital with homemade cards or baked treats to share with veterans and to show your appreciation.
- Engage your family and friends in a service project that recognizes the freedom we have to help others in this country, a freedom protected by service men and women all over the world
What will your family do on Veteran's Day to honor and commemorate those who have served?
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Image Courtesy of: http://ohlovelylolo.wordpress.com/2011/11/11/veterans-day/
* US Department of Veterans Affairs, History of Veterans Day: http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp
**Huffington Post, Statistics on Homeless Veteraans: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/07/12-startling-statistics-veteran-homelessness_n_1327816.html
