First a little history lesson. Veterans Day is a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars, and Veterans Day 2019 occurs on Monday, November 11. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated in many countries as Armistice Day the following year, November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans’ service organizations, the 1938 act making Armistice Day a holiday was amended to strike the word “Armistice” in favor of “Veterans.” In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which sought to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees and encourage tourism and travel by celebrating four national holidays (Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day) on Mondays. The observation of Veterans Day was set as the fourth Monday in October, the first under the new law being Monday, October 25, 1971; confusion ensued as many states disapproved of this change and continued to observe the holiday on its original date. In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed a new law returning the observation of Veterans Day to November 11th.
In the United States, an official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, while parades and other celebrations are held in states around the country. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day, a common misunderstanding. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American service members who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.
On Veterans Day, think about how you can show a veteran extra appreciation. Attend a Veterans Day parade or event. Ask a veteran about their service and really listen. Visit a VA hospital. Display the flag to salute our veterans! Remember, you don’t have to wait for a holiday to thank an active duty member or veteran for their service. They are appreciative ANY day of the year!
Thank you ladies and gentlemen for your service. I am truly grateful and humbled.
Jill Santandrea, Broker Manager, EXIT Homestead Realty Professionals LLC, 1070 E Chestnut Ave, Vineland, NJ 08360; 856-692-EXIT; Cell: 856-362-0967; Direct: 888-856-5455; TheJillTeam.com; E-mail: [email protected]; Text JillS to 85377 for my mobile business card. Listen to Jill on 99.9FM SNJ Radio Today. Source: 2019 Buffini & Company
