Veterans Day and Remembrance Day 2024 - Honoring Service and Sacrifice!
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
Veterans Day and Remembrance Day might look like similar holidays at first - both happen in November, and both are about honoring military service members. But they aren't exactly the same.
Veterans Day is mainly a U.S. holiday that honors everyone who served, while Remembrance Day is observed in Commonwealth countries and focuses on remembering those who died in wars. Let's take a closer look at each holiday to see what makes them special.
Veterans Day - Honoring All Veterans
Veterans Day in the United States is celebrated every year on November 11th. It started as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I - which was called the "War to End All Wars." In 1954, it was changed to "Veterans Day" to honor all U.S. veterans, not just those from World War I. It's a day to thank everyone who has served in the military, whether they fought in World War II or served in more recent conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan.
Now, I never had the honor of serving in the military myself, but I have deep respect for those who did. I had several uncles and aunts who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. One of my uncles was even awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery. Their stories of bravery and teamwork during tough times have always inspired me!
Remembrance Day - Remembering The Fallen
(Written with the help of ChatGPT)
Remembrance Day is also on November 11th, but it's mainly observed in Commonwealth countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. It's sometimes called "Armistice Day" too. Remembrance Day is about honoring all soldiers who have died in wars since World War I. People wear red poppies as a symbol of respect for those who lost their lives, inspired by the famous poem "In Flanders Fields."
This day is about remembering the ultimate sacrifice that so many people have made, not just from one country but from all around the world. On Remembrance Day, people take a moment of silence at 11 a.m. to honor those who gave their lives so we could live in peace. It's not about celebrating war but about recognizing the cost of conflict and the importance of working towards peace.
My Connection With Veterans
During my training as a medical student and resident, I was fortunate to work at a local veteran's hospital. It was a humbling experience to care for people who had given so much to protect us. Those moments were some of the most meaningful in my medical career. I met veterans from wars long before I was born, each with their own unique story. Listening to their experiences gave me a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made during wartime and the challenges they faced afterward!
To All Veterans And Their Families
This year, as we celebrate both Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, I want to take a moment to wish all Wealthy Affiliate members who have served, or have family who served, a wonderful day. Your sacrifices and those of your loved ones have allowed us all to live in safety and freedom. Thank you so much for your service - you have my deepest respect and gratitude.
Let's all honor this day, whether it's by thanking a veteran in person or wearing a poppy. The freedoms we enjoy today came at a cost, and we should never forget the sacrifices made to achieve them. "Freedom is not free!"
You ALL Rock! 🤘😎
Frank 🎸
~75% Human written content.
Recent Comments
52
Thank you, Frank! Your post means a lot to veterans.
I have mobility issues among other things and use a walker when I am out in public, so I don't go out very often. I appreciate people coming up to me and thanking me for my service. It makes my day. It was not like this in the early 1970s, when my extremely short haircut identified me as a serviceman and a target for curses and worse.
Hi Glen
Yes, I remember the late 60s and early 70s and the way US armed forces people were treated! Very disgraceful! It was the basis for the movie Rambo.
Thank YOU for your service, Glen! 👍
Happy Veterans Day! 🇺🇸
Frank 🎸
My grandfather kept EVERYTHING, and I have a hopechest busing at the seams and a ton of other containers with his life, including WWII :-) He didn't want to pay for a shadow box to put these together for us, so he made his own.
lol well that is 20 minutes I will never get back, and its sideways :-)
❤️❤️
I have Army, Navy, Marines,
I think I have mentioned my grandfather, who served in the Army in WWII, my dad in Vietnam in the Marines, and my brother's two tours in Iraq in the Marines ( he also did reserves for several years) . I also have cousins who have served in the Navy and a whole bunch more :-) I thank all veterans, past, present, and future.
My grandfather made a shadow box. I should try to get a picture of it, along with medals, campaigns, etc.
I recently found out my dad has a Purple Heart. He does not talk about Vietnam and made an off-hand comment that I can't even remember what we were talking about.
One should never forget those who served their country in the past and those that are keeping us safe today. I have family in the USA who saw action in the Korean War and their kids who later served in the US navy. I also have relatives in Ukraine who are currently fighting for democratic values. Like those soldiers who fought in the past, their heroism, defending their country and Europe, will be remembered in the future.
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As a mention, Memorial Day is May 20th in the US, similar to the Remembrance Day Frank mentioned in his post, as we honor our fallen military members as well.
Including myself, there are quite few veterans here, and many more with veteran family members who've been lost to war.
Thanks for your medical training time spent with the Veterans, Frank.
Rudy
Hi Rudy! Long time! This is a great tribute!