Veterans Day 2009

The armed forces of the United States are regularly honored all the time. They even have two holidays recognized for their service to the country. The first holiday is Memorial Day, which takes place in the beginning of the summer. The second holiday is today, Veterans Day, in the beginning of the fall. Memorial Day is a generic celebration of those who died in service. But as for Veterans Day, it was originally created to honor a specific day in U.S. and world history.

Veterans Day was officially created in 1926, but the seeds for Veterans Day began in 1919. November 11, 1919 is forever known as the day World War I ended. Famously, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice was signed between the fighting nations.

The next year, President Woodrow Wilson officially proclaimed November 11 a national holiday, exactly 90 years ago. Back then it was known as Armistice Day instead. It also ignored that although November 11 was the day the US and Germany stopped fighting, the Treaty of Versailles that officially concluded the war didn't get signed until June 1919.

In any case, the United States celebrated Armistice Day for the sole purpose of honoring the end of WWI and those who fought and died there. Armistice Day was honored each year with parades and celebrations, and suspensions of business at 11 a.m.

However, it was not an official national holiday until 1938, one of the last peacetime years in post WWI America.

When World War II came and went, World War I took a backseat in people's memories. The sacrifices and fighting by America's WWII soldiers, and those that were fighting in the Korean War, now needed to be honored as well.

Therefore, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day, as now Veterans Day would honor all Americans from all wars, not just WWI.

Dwight Eisenhower created the new Veterans Day in 1954. In 1971, Veterans Day was no longer celebrated on November 11, but on a Monday in November to encourage three day weekend travel.

But that created confusion and controversy, so President Carter returned Veterans Day to November 11, regardless of what day of the week it fell under.

An Atlanta doctor remembers his World War I veteran father, wishes he had asked more questions and wonders how he might have fared in the same situation. Letters from the farm teenager who returned home a more serious man said, 'at the present writing, the armistice is in effect. I bet they're having some celebrations.' It did not turn out to be the war to end all wars.

"All wars end up being reduced to statistics, strategies, debates about their origins and results. These debates about war are important, but not more important than the human story of those who fought in them."

-- Martin Gilbert, "The First World War"

For me, the human story of World War I is preserved in a packet of letters my grandmother gave me before she died, letters my father wrote home from the battlefields of France.

Dad was just 18 years old, fresh off the football fields of his high school days, when he enlisted in the army. As an adult, he never talked much about his war experiences, and I was not mature enough to ask him about them in greater detail. Perhaps he would not have said much even if I had asked, as men of that era tended to put memories of war experiences in the recesses of their minds.

In re-reading his letters, I see a deep feeling of patriotism, a certain bravado that young people are blessed with, a sense of fatalism and a longing for things and people near and dear to him. He expressed concern for his horse, cat and chickens, and hoped that they were being cared for well.

Yet service to his country also changed some of his priorities. Once crazy about baseball and big league ball players, he wrote that he no longer gave a "whoop for the game and the players either."

"It makes me sore to hear of their playing the World Series when they ought to be over here fighting," he wrote. Babe Ruth was pitching for the Boston Red Sox against the Chicago Cubs that year of 1918.

Dad faced death even before he set foot on European soil. The Tuscania, his troop ship, was torpedoed and sunk by a German U-boat on Feb. 5, 1918, en route to the front. Over 200 soldiers drowned. Fortunately, my father survived by leaping onto a destroyer that had pulled up alongside the sinking vessel.

The Tuscania was the only American troop ship torpedoed and sunk en route to battle, out of all the ships that transported some two million soldiers to France.

Once there, he faced tough battles at Chateau-Thierry, where the Germans' thrust toward Paris was halted, and finally the Meuse-Argonne offensive, which helped end the fighting when the Germans were subdued.

One of his close friends, Eli Elefson, was killed by machine gun fire near Soissons. They played football together in high school.

Sometimes, I wonder what lessons we learned from World War I. It certainly showed us how costly wars are, and how poorly thought out our alliances can be. I agree with Adam Gopnik, who wrote in The New Yorker that "the blind mechanism of arms and alliances trumped common sense."

The assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austrian-Hapsburg Empire, led one country after another into a war that eventually cost nine million lives. Forty-eight thousand American soldiers were killed; 25 lived in the vicinity of Shawano, Wis., the small town northwest of Green Bay where Dad and my family were from.

World War I was to have been "the war to end all wars." Yet less than 25 years after it ended, many of the same countries were in combat again in World War II, with the loss of nearly 300,000 additional American lives.

If the lesson from World War I was for countries to not rush into a fight, the lesson of World War II was "never to back down from a bully %u2026 [that] selling out small nations only encourages the tyrant," to quote Gopnik again.

On Nov. 11, 1918, Dad jotted this note to his brother Roger:

"Well, old Boy, the war is over and the Hun are beaten. I figured they would give in and at the present writing the armistice is in effect %u2026 I'll bet the States are putting on some celebrations and I sure would like to be there. But with good luck, we will figure in on a few good times of our own. %u2026 I am okay, and have gone through some bad stuff."

I keep Dad's helmet in my office. Occasionally I will put it on and try to imagine all the experiences he had, in his late teens, and wonder how I might have held up under similar circumstances.

Mostly, I remember a loving father, a hard-working and dedicated physician and a boy who came of age in battle.

For the rest of his life, he was content to enjoy the pleasures of his family and friends, his farm and horses and the other joys that a small Wisconsin town provided.

> Dr. John D. Cantwell, a physician, lives in Atlanta.

On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

GEORGE W. BUSH

November 11. Veterrans Day 2008. Millions nationwide and around the world participated in ceremonies commemorating the service of military veterans and the signing of the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918. President Bush led the rededication ceremonies for the U.S.S.Intrepid in New York City. The "Fighting I" has been renovated and will serve as a museum, the Intrepid Sea, Air, And Space Museum, a part of the National Parks system.

President Bush addressed the gathering: "Veterans have inspired me. I was raised by a veteran. I appreciate the commitment to our country that the veterans have made."

Vice President Dick Cheney earlier laid a wreath before the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery.

President-Elect Barack Obama participated in placing a wreath in front of the bronze soldiers war memorial in Chicago with Tammy Duckworth, a war veteran who lost both her legs in combat in Iraq. Duckworth currently serves as the Illinois governor's veterans affairs director.

CNN reported on a special naturalization ceremony that goes on annually in San Diego aboard the U.S.S. Midway. Director of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff led the oath of allegiance for 132 servicemen representing 35 different countries to become American citizens. Since September 11, 2001, over 46,000 extranationals have become American citizens through military service.

The United States and many other nations around the world take pause on Veterans Day annually to honor the veterans of their armed forces. Originally observed on November 12 from 1919 to 1925, Congress passed a resolution in 1926 to officially move the Armistice Day to November 11. In 1935, Armistice Day became a legal holiday. Also known as Remembrance Day, the state and national holiday was known as Armistice Day in the U. S. until 1954, when President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law that the day be a holiday and commemorate the service of all veterans.

As America honored its veterans at home, future veterans carried out their duties around the world. The United States has military personnel in over 100 countries

It began as Armistice Day, noting the the end of the first world war, November 11, 1918.

In the 1950s, it was expanded to become a day to honor all U. S. veterans.

This country has been honored by the service of many, many men and women over the years, serving in the uniforms of our country.

We should honor them, remembering all those that served, especially those that gave their lives in that service.

As a veteran, I'm honored to have worn my country's uniform.

As a citizen, I want to honor those that are wearing that uniform today.

Veterans Day originated as "Armistice Day" on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938.

Washington, D.C. - infoZine - President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day has evolved into also honoring living military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

23.6 million
The number of military veterans in the United States in 2007.

Female Veterans

1.8 million
The number of female veterans in 2007.

16%
Percentage of Gulf War veterans in 2007 who were women.

Race and Hispanic Origin

2.4 million
The number of black veterans in 2007. Additionally, 1.1 million veterans were Hispanic; 278,000 were Asian; 165,000 were American Indian or Alaska Native; 27,000 were Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander; and 18.7 million were non-Hispanic white. (The numbers for blacks, Asians, American Indians and Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders, and non-Hispanic whites cover only those reporting a single race.)

When They Served

9.3 million
The number of veterans 65 and older in 2007. At the other end of the age spectrum, 1.9 million were younger than 35.

7.9 million
Number of Vietnam-era veterans in 2007. Thirty-three percent of all living veterans served during this time (1964-1975). In addition, 5 million served during the Gulf War (representing service from Aug. 2, 1990, to present); 2.9 million in World War II (1941-1945); 3 million in the Korean War (1950-1953); and 6.1 million in peacetime.

358,000
In 2007, number of living veterans who served during both the Vietnam and Gulf War eras.

Other living veterans in 2007 who served during two or more wars:

* 315,000 served during both the Korean and Vietnam wars.
* 69,000 served during three periods: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
* 263,000 served during World War II and the Korean War.

Where They Live

5
Number of states with 1 million or more veterans in 2007. These states are California (2.1 million), Florida (1.7 million), Texas (1.7 million), New York (1.1 million) and Pennsylvania (1.1 million).

Education

25%
Percent of veterans 25 and older with at least a bachelor's degree in 2007.

90%
Percent of veterans 25 and older with a high school diploma or higher in 2007.

Income and Poverty

$36,053
Annual median income of veterans, in 2007 inflation-adjusted dollars.

5.7%
Percentage of veterans living in poverty, as of 2007. The corresponding rate for nonveterans was 12 percent.

On the Job

10.7 million
Number of veterans 18 to 64 in the labor force in 2007.

$32,217
Earnings for women veterans, higher than the $27,272 for women civilians with no military experience.

$42,128
Earnings for male veterans, higher than the $39,880 for nonveterans.

Women veterans were more likely to work 35 or more hours per week (84.3 percent vs.77.6 percent), to work at least 50 weeks per year (73.1 percent vs. 71.6 percent) and to work in public administration (16 percent vs. 4.8 percent) than nonveterans.

Disabilities

6 million
Number of veterans with a disability.

Voting

17.4 million
Number of veterans who voted in the 2004 presidential election. Seventy-four percent of veterans cast a ballot, compared with 63 percent of nonveterans.

14 million
Number of veterans who voted in the 2006 congressional election. Sixty-one percent of veterans cast a ballot, compared with 46 percent of nonveterans.

Business Owners

14.5%
Percentage of owners of firms responding to the 2002 Survey of Business Owners who were veterans. Veteran business owners comprised an estimated 3 million of the 20.5 million owners represented by survey respondents.

68%
Percentage of veteran owners of respondent firms who were 55 and older. This compares with 31 percent of all owners of respondent firms. Similarly, in 2002, 55 percent of veteran-owned respondent firms with employees reported that their businesses were originally established, purchased or acquired before 1990, compared with 36 percent of all employer respondent firms.

7%
Percentage of veteran business owners of respondent firms who were disabled as the result of injury incurred or aggravated during active military service.

Benefits

2.7 million
Number of veterans who received compensation for service-connected disabilities as of 2006. Their compensation totaled $28.2 billion.

$72.8 billion
Total amount of federal government spending for veterans benefits programs in fiscal year 2006. Of this total, $34.6 billion went to compensation and pensions, $33.7 billion for medical programs and the remainder to other programs, such as vocational rehabilitation and education.

Veterans Day 2009 is being observed not just in ceremonies across America today, but also online. Here is a list of some Web-based Veterans Day resources and programs that might be of interest. You can also find a list of Veterans Day closures below.

Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies - A list of free meals and discounts you can find across the country in honor of the holiday.

Community of Veterans - New social networking site and private resource collection for troops who have fought in Iraq or Afghanistan. Launching for the first time today. Formed by two nonprofit organizations: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America and the Ad Council. Must verify military service to be able to enter.

MyVetWorks.com - Another new social networking site for veterans, launching by the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. Also nonprofit. This one is open to veterans as well as their families and supporters.

VetFriends.com - A public site for supporters of U.S. veterans and military personnel. Offers Veterans Day forum, parade listings, tribute videos, and other related resources.

Subscriptions for Soldiers - Program launched by Magazines.com to help provide free magazine subscriptions to troops currently serving overseas.

The History of Veterans Day - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' in-depth write-up of how the holiday came into existence and what it represents

Veterans Day Official Government Page - The U.S. government's home page about Veterans Day 2008, featuring teacher guides, FAQs, fact sheets, information for kids, poster downloads, and photos from the 2008 national ceremony

Veterans Day Timeline - The U.S. Army's year-by-year timeline of the events leading up to the formation of the Veterans Day holiday

Casualties in World War I - A list of the casualties from WWI, country-by-country

Defense Department Current Casualty Report - The U.S. Defense Department's current report of the total deaths resulting from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
Veterans Day Closures

* Federal offices
* State offices
* County offices
* City offices
* Banks
* U.S. Postal Service (express delivery only)
* Public libraries
* Public schools
* Public transportation - typically operating only on limited schedules if at all