Today is Veterans Day, the national holiday that recognizes and honors all the military veterans who have served our nation. With Fort Hood right here in Central Texas, there are thousands of veterans right here in Central Texas. Here are a few things you may not know about Veterans Day:
·It’s not to be confused with Memorial Day, which according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, is a common misunderstanding. Memorial Day honors American service members who died in service to our nation or because of injuries incurred during battle.
·Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, whether living or deceased.
·Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th each year, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I.
·The day was first known as Armistice Day and was first proclaimed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. It was President Eisenhower who changed the name to Veterans Day in 1954.
·There are over 20-million veterans currently living in the United States.
·Great Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of both world wars on and near November 11th.
Please take some time today to thank these brave men and women who serve and protect the United States, selflessly sacrificing their time as parents, children and grandparents. My grandfather, George M. Wells, was a veteran of World War I. My father served in the Army in the 60’s, including time during the Cuban Missile Crisis. My uncle Jim served in the Air Force and my uncle Dennis served in the Army for twenty-seven years.
We owe all our veterans a tremendous debt of gratitude. God Bless America.