It’s Veterans Day today, a national day set aside for honoring America’s military veterans. This holiday began in 1919, as Armistice Day for World War I. After a year of peace, President Woodrow Wilson asked Americans to celebrate the international armistice at exactly the same time it began—11:00 am on Nov. 11, 1918—in the years to come saying:
To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…
The day was officially recognized by Congress in 1926, became a legal holiday in 1936, and finally became the day for honoring all of America’s war veterans in 1954.
Honoring Our Veterans
It is important to keep in mind that the purpose of the holiday is to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces throughout our history. The simplest way to show your respect is to participate in two minutes of silence starting at 11:11 am on 11/11. These two minutes of silence are held around the world as a memorial of WWI.
Here in the U.S., there are a number of ways to thank the military veterans in our families and communities.
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Search the web for locally hosted parades and events near your home.
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Find time to speak to a senior veteran about their experiences in WWII, the Vietnam war, and after.
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Connect with Soldiers’ Angels to learn how you can support currently deployed service members.
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Download the 2021 Teacher’s Guide created by the Veterans Day National Committee.
Aaron’s Honors Vets, Too
Aaron’s is always grateful for the sacrifices made by our military veterans and service people. That’s why we offer a year-round military-only discount of 10% off our furniture, electronics, appliances, and more. Just ask a Team Member at your local Aaron’s stores how to receive the discount and provide your military ID.
