The first Veterans Day was on November 11th, 1954. It was originally called Armistice Day in 1938 when the day was dedicated to “the cause of world peace” by President Woodrow Wilson in celebration of the end of World War 1. U.S Representative Ed Rees presented a bill to Congress in hopes to make Armistice Day a new national holiday dedicated to Veterans. In May of 1954 President Eisenhower signed the bill, turning it into a law, making the first ever Veterans Day to be celebrated on November 11th. 

We celebrate Veterans Day to honor and thank those who have served. The U.S currently has 1.3 million active-duty service members this year, however the Military needs to find over 150,000 new recruits each year. We haven’t had many huge wars since World War 2 ended, but there are still troops being deployed overseas each year to fight battles we may not even hear about right away. There are still families having to go without their Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister, Aunt, Uncle, or significant other every year, and there are still lives being lost for the deep rooted beliefs we have in each other and for our country. 

Not only are we honoring our Veterans for their service but we are also remembering their hardships they’ve had to endure for their service. Most Veterans who serve come back with P.T.S.D or many other trauma related issues. Now is a time to remember to check up on our Veterans and thank them for their physical and mental sacrifices. 

I’ve always celebrated Veterans Day since I was a child due to my Dad and various other family members being in the Military. As a young child, you can only grasp so much of what Veterans Day truly means and, overtime, celebrating it became a routine of sorts. Growing up and learning more and more about different wars and battles fought in and outside of our country, I’ve wanted that routine to stop. It’s hard to fully comprehend something you’ve never personally been through but I believe reading and listening to other first-hand accounts of serving is a closer step to that deeper understanding. I encourage everyone to go listen to a story or two about a Veterans recollection of their time served or participate in any local Veterans Day events. Not only will you be honoring those who have served for our country and for each individual American, you’ll feel more connected to the history that has shaped our country into what it is today. 

On behalf of the Central community, Happy Veterans Day to those who have served or who are currently serving, and thank you for your service.