Veterans Day call to do more for our veterans and our country
Americans have forgotten the hard lessons of Veterans Day.
These hard lessons are especially lost on the senior Senator Tommy Tuberville from Alabama who recently was quoted as saying “coaching football was just as taxing as leading our military.” Tuberville is a former head football coach at Auburn University.
Of all our national observances, few days are as solemn and meaningful as Veterans Day. Yesterday, Nov. 11, the United States paused to honor the service and sacrifice of its military veterans, a tradition steeped in history and rich with emotion. This day isn’t just another federal holiday; it’s a collective moment of reflection, gratitude and remembrance for the men and women who have worn the uniform to defend the ideals upon which America was built.
The origins of Veterans Day date back to the end of World War I. Known at the time as “The Great War,” it was one of the bloodiest conflicts in history, and its conclusion on Nov. 11, 1918, was a cause for international celebration. The following year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Nov. 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. It is formally observed at 11:00 a.m. — the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day, of the eleventh month.
However, after the events of World War II and the Korean War, which forged a new generation of veterans, the scope of the observance was expanded to honor all veterans, not just those who died in World War I. In 1954, Congress passed legislation to rename Armistice Day as Veterans Day, thereby ensuring that American veterans of all wars are remembered and recognized.
At its core, Veterans Day is about people — individual lives dedicated to the service of a nation. It’s a day to remember the sacrifice of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, from the privates to the most seasoned generals.
Veterans have made immense personal sacrifices. They’ve spent months or years away from their families, risking life and limb in environments ranging from the deserts of the Middle East to the jungles of Vietnam and the hills of Korea. They’ve put their personal dreams on hold, enduring hardships most civilians never experience. Observing Veterans Day is an opportunity to acknowledge these sacrifices and to say, “We see you, we value you, and we are grateful.”
Freedom is not free. It is a costly gift purchased by the dedication and sometimes the blood of servicemen and women. Veterans Day serves as a poignant reminder that the freedoms we enjoy, as Americans were hardwon and are protected by the continual service of our military. It’s a day to reflect on what it means to live in a country where you can speak, worship, and dream freely — privileges safeguarded by the vigilance of our veterans.
Veterans Day provides an educational opportunity to teach the next generation about the sacrifices made by their ancestors. In schools across the nation, children can learn why it’s important to honor those who served. By bringing history to life, we inspire in young minds a sense of patriotism and recognition of the debt they owe to those who have made their present freedoms possible.
For many veterans, the return to civilian life is fraught with challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder, physical injuries and reintegration into society. Veterans Day can play a role in their healing process. Public recognition and appreciation can affirm their experiences and sacrifices, serving as a form of acknowledgment that is crucial for mental health.
Veterans Day should prompt a national conversation about the role of our military and the costs of war. It encourages citizens to think critically aboutnation’stions past conflicts and consider our future military engagements. This reflection ensures that the decision to send men and women into harm’s way is never taken lightly. The current conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine are a present-day reminder.
While Memorial Day is specifically set aside to honor those who have died in service, Veterans Day also plays a role in honoring the memory of fallen soldiers. It is a day for the living to hold in their hearts those who can no longer observe the day with them, to celebrate the legacy they have left behind, and to offer comfort to the families who have paid the ultimate price.
Ultimately, Veterans Day should be seen as a call to action. It is a day to not only honor veterans with words but to also make tangible commitments to assist them. Whether it’s by advocating for policy improvements, or simply reaching out to veterans in our lives, there are practical ways that every American can make Veterans Day meaningful.
The importance of observing Veterans Day cannot be overstated. It is a day that holds individual and collective significance, a day that bridges past and present, and a day that calls us to honor, remember, and act. As we recognize the service of our veterans, we reaffirm the values of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that they have embodied. We are reminded of the rich stories that they carry and the ongoing memories they contribute to the American narrative.
On Veterans Day, we are called to look beyond the barbecues and retail sales, to see the faces of those who have served, to listen to their stories. In doing so, we not only pay tribute to their legacy — we also affirm our commitment to the ongoing work of building a nation worthy of their sacrifice.