Veterans day, a day to honor those

Since 1918, November 11th has served as the official date for Veterans Day (previously Armistice Day); a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. Some may ask “what or who is a Veteran?” Title 38 of the Code of Federal Regulations defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.”

UNKNOWN FACTS ABOUT VETERANS DAY:

1. What is the correct spelling of Veterans Day? “Veterans Day does not include an apostrophe BUT does include an ‘s’ at the end of ‘veteran’ because it is not a day that ‘belongs’ to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans.”
2. What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? “Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle”.
3. Why are red poppies worn on Veterans Day, and where can I obtain them? “The wearing of poppies in honor of America’s war dead is traditionally done on Memorial Day, not Veterans Day. The practice of wearing poppies takes its origin from the poem “In Flanders Fields.” For information on how to obtain poppies for use on Memorial Day, contact a veterans service organization who distributes poppies on Memorial Day.”
4. Is Veterans Day celebrated in other countries? “Yes. Many countries honor their veterans each year on November 11, although the name and types of ceremonies differ from Veterans Day celebrations in the United States. Example: Canada and Australia observe ‘Remembrance Day’ on November 11. Across America there will be parades, dinners, and public gatherings; a day to pay our respects to those, living or dead, who have served their country, honorably, during war or peacetime. Our local tributes, that our newspaper is aware of, is McGill Elementary School Annual Veteran’s Day Program Nov. 9th at 2:30 p.m. and Ely Elks Lodge Veterans Dinner on Nov. 11th, at 5:00 p.m. (RSVP Gail 775-293-0107), Veterans Memorial County Courthouse Park on Nov. 11th at 11:00 a.m.

For one day each year let us stand united in respect for our veterans who we not only celebrate, but honor for their selflessness, patriotism, love of country, willingness to serve, and most importantly for their sacrifices; and that word alone shouldn’t be taken lightly. To sacrifice means giving-up, virtually, everything for the freedoms you and I have been afforded.

Note: Please take time on Nov. 11th to seek out, and pay respects to the Veteran next door.