By Donna Mischke, Director of Family Services at Concierge Care Advisors
Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans Day and the Importance of Gratitude
Every year on November 11th, Americans come together to honor those who have served in the U.S. Military. This tradition began in 1919, when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day to commemorate the ceasefire agreement that ended World War I. In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a legal holiday. Later, in 1954, President Eisenhower officially changed the name to Veterans Day, creating a national holiday to honor all veterans, whether they served in wartime or peace.
Veterans Day vs. Memorial Day: Understanding the Difference
It’s easy to confuse Veterans Day with Memorial Day, celebrated in May. However, they serve different purposes:
- Memorial Day honors those who lost their lives in service to the country.
- Veterans Day is dedicated to recognizing all military veterans, living and deceased, who served in any capacity, during war or peace.
A Personal Message of Gratitude
To every veteran reading this: Thank you for your service. Your dedication, sacrifice, and bravery protect the freedoms we cherish every day. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the families of veterans—your support and sacrifices are equally significant.
As a former news reporter, I covered emotional reunion stories at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Seeing soldiers reunited with their families after deployment is an experience that words cannot adequately capture. These moments of joy, relief, and love demonstrate the profound impact that military service has on both the individual and their loved ones.
Ways to Honor Veterans on Veterans Day
There are many meaningful ways to express gratitude to veterans and their families. Here are a few ideas:
- Attend a Veterans Day parade in your area.
- Visit a VA hospital and spend time with veterans.
- Donate to organizations that support veterans and their families.
- If you see a veteran at a coffee shop or restaurant, consider buying them a meal or coffee.
- Teach younger generations to say, “Thank you for your service.”
- A simple thank you—on Veterans Day or any day—can mean more than you know.
Important Resource: Aid & Attendance Benefit
If you are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or the widowed spouse of a veteran, you may qualify for the Department of Veterans Affairs Aid & Attendance benefit and other VA benefits. VA Aid & Attendance provides up to $2,100 per month to help cover care and living expenses. Learn more about this valuable resource and see if you’re eligible for this benefit by visiting our Aid & Attendance information page.
Read more about eligibility requirements on this blog post: Navigating Benefits for Surviving Spouses of Veterans.
Learn more about the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit here too:
Call to Action: Supporting Veterans with Concierge Care Advisors
At Concierge Care Advisors, we are committed to honoring service members and their families by providing expert guidance in senior housing and care solutions. If you or someone you know is a veteran seeking assistance with care options or housing, reach out to us today. Our team is here to help navigate benefits like Aid & Attendance and ensure you or your loved one receives the respect and care they deserve.
