Let’s Talk about Veterans Day and Its Importance

By David Little,
Huntsville City Council
Representative, District 2

Huntsville is a veteran-rich community – one we welcome with open arms as we reflect on the sacrifices they’ve made and continue to make to protect our democracy. With November quickly approaching there has never been a better time to talk about Veterans Day and its importance.

Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It coincides with other holidays including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, which are commemorated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I. Major hostilities of World War I formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect.

At the urging of major U.S. veteran organizations, Armistice Day was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. This change was made to honor all U.S. veterans, regardless of the war in which they served.

Veterans Day is distinct from Memorial Day, a U.S. public holiday in May. Veterans Day commemorates the service of all U.S. veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who have died in service to our country.

There are many ways to honor our service members this Veterans Day:
• Attend Huntsville’s annual Veterans Day Parade
• Visit Huntsville’s U.S. Memorial Veterans Museum
• Visit the Huntsville Madison County Veterans Memorial
• Volunteer at a veterans’ organization.
• Donate to a veterans’ charity.
• Send a note of appreciation to a veteran.
• Learn about the history of Veterans Day and sacrifices veterans have made.

Here are some additional ideas for honoring veterans on Veterans Day:
• Hire a veteran. For vet-related career resources, check out Still Serving Veterans
• Support businesses owned by veterans.
• Encourage your children and grandchildren to learn about veterans and their service.

It is important to remember that Veterans Day is not just about honoring veterans who served in combat. It is also about honoring all veterans who have served our country, regardless of where they served or what their job was. Veterans have made sacrifices that many of us cannot imagine, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.