(BPT) – Hostility ceased on the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 after World War I. Armistice Day was then celebrated on the 11th day of November to mark the beginning of this peaceful era. Nationwide there were celebrations, parades, public meetings and suspension of business for two minutes at 11 a.m. Over the years, Congress has changed the date on which Armistice Day was celebrated, but in 1975 President Gerald Ford returned Armistice Day to Nov. 11, due to the significance and importance of the date.
Over 116,000 Americans died defending the lives and freedom of our European allies during World War I. However, it was only after World War II and the Korean War that the commemoration of this day become known as “Veterans Day,” honoring the more than one million Americans who have lost their lives in all U.S. wars.
Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those members who made the ultimate sacrifice for this country, Veterans Day honors all veterans — those deceased and those living, regardless of whether they served in wartime or peace. Currently there are 1.3 million active duty service men and women, with an additional 800,000 serving in the reserves. There are approximately 21 million American veterans alive today. Many of them are grandparents, parents, friends, neighbors, brothers and coworkers. For some, there are physical signs of their sacrifice, but for others their wounds are on the inside. It is not easy coming home after everything a service member sees and endures. Due to the effects of PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Military Sexual Trauma and more, an average of 22 veterans per day commit suicide.
This Veterans Day, the Purple Heart Foundation is asking you to honor all veterans for their patriotism, service, sacrifice and love of country. You can make a donation to the Purple Heart Foundation at purpleheartfoundation.org!
Your contribution will help all veterans from all wars with all types of injuries. They will receive the benefits they have earned and deserve. Your contribution will fund grants, academic scholarships and so much more, according to the organization.
Attending a local Veterans Day parade or ceremony event to show your support and appreciation to the veterans being recognized is also a pretty great way for the whole family to celebrate Veterans Day and show support for past, present and future service members … even if you don’t know any veterans personally.
If you’re enjoying your freedom, thank a veteran by making a contribution today. Your donation will help the Purple Heart Foundation continue to “Honor their sacrifice with our service.”