By Donna Mischke, Director of Family Services at Concierge Care Advisors
Every year on November 11th, Americans celebrate all those who honorably served our Military. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed this date in 1919 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day, marking the date when Germany and the allies signed a 1918 agreement to cease World War I hostilities. Congress declared Armistice Day a legal holiday in 1938. In 1954 President Eisenhower signed a law that changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day thus giving us one day to honor all veterans.
Some may confuse Veterans Day with the May celebrated Memorial Day holiday. But according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring the military personnel who died in the service of their country. Veterans Day is set aside to honor ALL of those who served, whether in war or peace.
If you are reading this and you are a Veteran – I would like to personally thank you for your service to our country. If you are the family member of a Veteran, I would like to thank you also. The sacrifices made by those serving and by family left behind run deep. I worked as a news reporter years ago and covered many reunion stories at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Believe me when I say that no words are needed to tell the story of a soldier being reunited with his or her family after a deployment.
With Veterans Day just around the corner, I would encourage everyone to thank a veteran and their family. Freedom is never free, and many paid for the rights we so often take for granted. There are so many ways to say “thank you”. You can attend a Veterans Day parade in your area, donate to an organization that supports Vets, or go visit a VA Hospital. If you spot a veteran at a restaurant or coffee shop, and your budget can afford it, please offer to buy them a meal or coffee. Teach young ones to say thank you for your service as well. A simple thank you is really all that is needed on this day or any day.
Also, please be aware that if you are a veteran or the widowed spouse of a veteran, you may be eligible for Aid & Attendance which can help pay up to $2,100 a month toward care and living expenses. To find out more information on this topic visit our link: https://www.conciergecareadvisors.com/leoff-placements/.
