“on Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans, and let us renew our national promise to fulfill our sacred obligations to our veterans and their families who have sacrificed so much that we can live free.”
Dan Lipinski
Veterans Day is observed on November 11 and honors all members of the Armed Forces who have valiantly served, fighting to protect us and keep our country safe. Veterans gave their time and risked their lives for you and me. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was first celebrated in 1921. In 1954, on November 11 at 11:11am, the U.S., France and England each buried an “unknown soldier” in honor of those who died in World War I. The time and day were picked because fighting ceased in World War I in 1918 on November 11 at 11:11.
In 1954, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in order to honor veterans of every war. Memorial Day honors American soldiers who died while serving, while Veterans Day recognizes soldiers who came home safely, but still made great sacrifices on the battlefield. Armed Forces Day is the proper day to honor all of the men and women who are currently serving our country.
Veterans Day is very important to me, as there is a long line of men in my family who have served our country, including my brother, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. And now, my grandson, Mack, is currently serving as a proud U.S. Marine. He recently completed his training at Camp Pendleton in California and is now a Helicopter Crew Chief stationed at the Naval Base in Fort Worth, Texas. According to militarycareers.com, Helicopter Crew Chiefs are flight crew members who, when assigned to the flight schedule, are responsible to the pilot in command while in operation of the aircraft and associated mission/weapons systems. When not assigned to the flight schedule, they report to their respective work center within the maintenance department where they inspect, service, maintain and repair helicopter power plants, transmissions, drivetrains, fuel systems, flight control systems and rotor systems.
On this special day, there are many ways you can honor our veterans. You can observe the traditional moment of silence at 11:11 am, or buy a veteran a cup of coffee or lunch. Many area restaurants offer veterans a free lunch to thank them for their service.
Another way to honor our veterans is by visiting a cemetery and placing flowers and flags at their graves. At the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, a touching ceremony honoring all who served is held at 11am on Veterans Day. Hundreds of people visit these hallowed grounds every year to pay their respect to all the men and women who have kept our country safe.
Please take a few moments on this special day to reflect and show gratitude for those who gave so selflessly of themselves to serve. I will be thinking about the veterans in my life—my brother Joe (Vietnam), my dad and my uncle (WWII) and my grandfather (WWI). I will especially be thinking about my grandson Mack, who’s journey of service is just beginning.
To all who have sacrificed so much to keep us free, Happy Veterans Day.
