From the NFRW Armed Services Committee

By CAPT (ret) Mary Smart, Hawaii

Veterans Day, Saturday, November 11, 2023, pays tribute to all American veterans, especially the living who honorably served their country whether during periods of war or peacetime.

The date was established based on the end of World War I fighting on the western front and was originally known as Armistice Day.  In 1926 Congress passed a resolution that the date should be commemorated with prayers and thanksgiving with a goal to promote peace among nations. The day became a federal holiday in 1938 with this year’s holiday observed on Friday, November 10.   

Many traditions are observed on Veterans Day, including the wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, parades, recognition dinners, displaying of the American flag, calling a veteran or their widow, assisting a wounded warrior with a home project, and donating to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Wounded Warrior Project, or Homes for Our Troops.  Individuals and organizations that are especially ambitious can submit an application to host an event endorsed by the Veterans Day National Committee (due around 1 May in the event year).   

This is a day to show appreciation for the living veterans who gave up a significant portion of their life while willingly exposing themselves to dangers in an effort to defend the freedom of our nation and its citizens. This is the time to say thank you to a veteran.