Unlike some national holidays, which have movable dates, Veterans Day is always celebrated on Nov. 11, except when the date falls on a weekend. This year, the federal holiday falls naturally on Monday.
Since Veterans Day is always a school holiday, celebrations for veterans are moved to a closer date. The children from Dos Palos school offer their annual Veterans Thank You presentation on the morning of Nov. 8 at Marks Elementary School.
Some baby boomers remember the day as Armistice Day, which was first commemorated in 1919. This event recalled the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the hostilities of The Great War (now called World War I) ceased. All sides agreed to lay down arms. In 1938, Congress established the national holiday.
After World War II, veteran groups promoted changing the name of Armistice Day to include recognition for those who served. The concept was to honor those who served to defend our liberties.
Finally, in 1954, Congress changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Some may remember the additional confusion from 1968 to 1978. Many holidays were moved to three-day weekends, but veterans’ groups insisted on honoring the historical date of the armistice.
Veterans finally prevailed. The day’s history is so important that Veterans Day is Nov. 11. The celebration is only moved when the date falls on a weekend.
The VA’s National Veterans Outreach Office determines a yearly theme for promoting the national holiday. This year’s theme is “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service.”
The theme is honored by telling personal and family history stories about military service around the dinner table. Cherish the memory of family and neighbors who loyally served our nation. Point out the sacrifices they made.
The song “God Bless America” is traditionally associated with Veterans Day ceremonies. Irving Berlin wrote this patriotic song in 1918 while serving in the United States Army. Berlin revised the song into a more peaceful theme as Hitler rose to power. Kate Smith recorded it, and “God Bless America” was first broadcast on Armistice Day, 1938.
The words in “God Bless America” are prayerful. Interestingly, this song was written by an immigrant who came to the United States as a child. The song exemplifies the unity of our country as it was composed by a Jewish person and is sung in various worship congregations throughout our nation.
The lyrics for “God Bless America” can be found on YouTube. You can also download the song as a ringtone for your phone.
Some folks confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day, which occurs at the end of May. Memorial Day is specifically for military members who died in the service of our country or as the result of wounds incurred during service.
Veterans Day honors all who served to protect freedom during peace and war.
In 2005, a veteran named Rudy Garcia in Harlingen, Texas, popularized having coffee and conversing with another veteran. As a veteran health facility volunteer, Rudy offered coffee, cookies and time to talk to veterans with medical needs.
A cup of coffee for a veteran is now a popular Veterans Day practice. The invitation sometimes includes a meal.
Marks Elementary, Dos Palos Elementary School and Dos Palos Childhood Education Center invite veterans of the United States Armed Forces, spouses and veterans’ families on Nov. 8. Breakfast with coffee and beverages begins at 8 a.m. at Marks Elementary School Cafeteria, 1717 Valeria Avenue, Dos Palos. The program begins at 9 a.m.
Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on compact disc for families to explore the Bible together. Email jmiller@dospalos.org.
