I knew the purpose of Veterans Day but I did not know the full history of how it came to be. As the saying goes, “I was today year’s old when …” And maybe you are in the same boat!
The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919 officially ended the Great War, aka World War I. Fighting had actually ended seven months earlier when an armistice was declared on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Thus, November 11, 1918 became known as “the war to end all wars.”
November 11th was proclaimed Armistice Day by President Wilson in November 1919. “To us in America, the reflection 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…”
After World War II required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen in our Nation’s history, and after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress amended the Act of 1938 and changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day. November 11th then became a day to honor American Veterans of ALL wars.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11th, regardless of what day of the week it falls. In our history, there was a time when Veteran’s Day was observed on the closest Monday in hopes of people traveling and increasing tourism revenue with the three-day weekend. Revising the observance of Veterans Day back to November 11th preserves the historical significance of the date and focuses attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
We owe our veterans so much!
In my role with Care Advantage, I am honored to work with both the Salem Veterans Affairs Medical Center but also the Virginia Veterans Care Center. I get a little teary eyed every time I am at either facility, seeing so many of our retired veterans still proudly wearing the hat of their military branch. I love talking to these men. So many of them remind me of my daddy, who was a Marine during the Korean Conflict. Semper Fi!
This year, I was honored to be part of the Veterans Day Ceremony at Harmony Senior Living. We had veterans representing WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. There was not a dry eye in the place, but when I started tearing up as I placed a USA flag pin on their chests, they each said something to make me laugh. These veterans are simply incredible!
Care Advantage serves nearly 900 veterans. Wow! Not only do we have the honor of providing care for these veterans with our contract with the V.A., but we also have a partnership with Veterans Care Coordination that allows us to make referrals for veterans or surviving spouses to help determine eligibility for the Aid & Attendance Pension and expedite activation of those benefits if qualified. This pension makes it easier for veterans and their spouses to age in place at home.
While Veterans Day is dedicated to honoring the sacrifice and service of those who have fought for our freedom, this is a day for Care Advantage to celebrate our veteran clients and acknowledge their contributions to the nation. We are indeed honored to support aging wartime veterans!
The care we provide to Veterans goes beyond physical and medical support. It also includes emotional care, community connection, and honoring the legacy and service of those who have fought for our freedom. It is not just about us helping them maintain proper nutrition and medication schedules, assisting with their bathing or exercises, handling laundry or housekeeping, or taking them places. Our services strengthen their connection to the community, ensuring these honored veterans feel remembered, appreciated and respected.
Join me in saying “thank you for your service!” to all of our veterans! We enjoy so many freedoms because of their selfless sacrifices!
