Veterans Day 2018

Occurring annually on November 11, Veterans Day is meant to honor those who have served in the US Armed Forces.
Officially established in 1918 after World War I, the day was initially called Armistice Day, landing on the 11th of November which marked the end of the war. After World War II and the Korean War, the day was expanded in purpose to honor all veterans, and the name was changed in June of 1954.
Taking place from 1950 to 1975, many of the oldest surviving veterans served in either the Korean or Vietnam Wars. According to History.com, approximately 9 million men and women were of service during the time.
Valerie Wilson, sophomore Political Science major from Beaumont, Texas had this to say, “I pretty much have a high respect for all veterans that have served this country.” She continued, “ I do believe that a light should be equally shined on veterans of all ethnicities and backgrounds to make them feel more included.”
Culturally of significance, the Vietnam War is also known to have disproportionately affected black people due to the draft and racial tensions throughout the country. The New York Times wrote, “African-Americans represented approximately 11 percent of the civilian population. Yet in 1967, they represented 16.3 percent of all draftees and 23 percent of all combat troops in Vietnam.” As racial tension throughout the civil rights era grew in the states, its effects were reflected in wartime. NY Times continued, “Eventually the racial tension and violence that had convulsed the home front during the summer of 1967 erupted in Vietnam. The assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968 was the catalyst for rioting in more than 60 American cities, and it challenged the belief that racism and discrimination could be ended through personal relationships and peaceful protest – both at home and in Vietnam.”
Today, over one million people serve in the Armed Forces. Of the five branches of the US Armed Forces are the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, and the Air Force.
Alexis Dailey, sophomore Marketing major from Fort Lauderdale, Florida states, “…there are so many veterans that don’t get the honor they deserve on the daily, they should have at least one day of thanks for fighting for our country.”
Representing a fair amount of the country’s population, there are many ways to celebrate and thank veterans for their service. Many businesses have even gone as far as offering special Veterans Day discounts or sales for those with a military ID as a way to show thanks.
However, unlike most popular holidays, the purpose of the day is to give in gratitude rather than physical gifts. Some great ways to show appreciation include volunteering with a local Veterans Affairs office, sending a care package or letter, and commemorating a member of the forces for their service.
To find out more on ways to help veterans throughout the year, visit volunteer.va.gov .