Tag: Honoring Veterans

Senior Article Nov: Veterans Day Facts and Information

Posted on | by Brenda Armstrong

Which is the Correct Spelling of Veterans Day:
Veterans Day does not include an apostrophe but does include an “s” at the end of “veterans” because it is not a day that “belongs” to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans.

What Day of Their Week is Veterans Day Observed:
Veterans Day is always observed officially on 11 November. However, when Veterans Day falls on a weekday, many communities choose to hold Veterans Day parades or other celebrations on the weekend before or after 11 November so more folks can participate.

What Is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day:
Many folks confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our nation security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served-not only those who died-have sacrificed and done their duty.

Why are Red Poppies Worn on Veterans Day, And Where Can They Be Obtained:
The wearing of Poppies in honor of America’s war dead is traditionally done on Memorial Day, not Veterans Day. The practice of wearing of Poppies takes its origin from the poem in Flanders Fields, written in 1915 by John McCrae. A large number of Veterans organizations distribute Poppies annually on Memorial Day. You can find veterans groups on VA’s Veterans Day web page or Veterans Organization link on their web page.

Thank you all who have served, died serving our country, and serving today! God Bless America!

Brenda Dever-Armstrong, CEO/Owner/CSA/Geriatric Advisor
The Next Horizon Senior & Military (Veterans/Spouses) Advocate/Resources/Services/Placement
The Next Horizon Seniors & Military Advocate – https://www.nexthorizonlocators.com/
National Register Directory (NRD) – https://www.nrd.gov/

HONORING FALLEN VETERANS ON MEMORIAL DAY

Posted on | by Brenda Armstrong

WAYS WE CAN PAY RESPECT TO THOSE WHO HAVE MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Since 1868, Americans have set aside one day a year to honor the over 1.1 million men & women who gave their lives while serving their country. While Memorial Day comes just once a year, VA and its employees uphold the meaning behind it each and every day by providing the best care possible to our Veterans.

Initially called Decoration Day because families & friends would spend the day decorating the graves of their fallen loved one; the day was renamed Memorial Day during WWII and became a federal holiday in 1971. It serves to honor the men & women whose lives & actions in battle helped to shape not just our Nation, but the World! Whether they were present when the first shot was fired at Lexington & Concord or they’ve walked the streets of Baghdad, they’ve had a direct impact on history.

A simple way to both show your respect & support living Veterans & their families is through the purchase of a RED POPPY, known as the “flower of remembrance,” the poppy gained popularity after Canadian surgeon, Lt Colonel John McGrae, penned the poem “In Flanders’Field” during WWI. He describes the crimson flowers growing between the crosses marking the graves of those who fell during that pivotal battle. It was proclaimed the official memorial flower of the VFW in 1922. Now, artificial poppies are manufactured by patients & residents in VA hospitals and homes, with proceeds going to support Veterans, widows and orphans affected by war. By purchasing and wearing a red poppy, you can honor Memorial Day while making a difference in a living Veteran’s life.

Fly your American flag at half-staff. Guidelines: when putting the flag at half-staff, raise it quickly to the top of the staff, then slowly lower it halfway down. The flag should only be flown at half-staff from dawn until noon before being raised to full-staff until sunset.

Take time on Memorial Day to pause for the National Moment of remembrance. At 3 pm local time, take one minute to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have lost their lives fighting for the United States! If you are driving, turn your headlights on to show your participation. SPREAD THE TRUE MEANING BEHIND MEMORIAL DAY…..

Each and every day beyond Memorial Day, over 365,000 VA employees dedicate their lives to serve those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Brenda Dever-Armstrong, CEO/Owner/CSA/Geriatric Advisor
The Next Horizon Seniors & Military (Veterans/Spouses) Advocate/Resources/Services/Locator (Military Spouse of 40 years)