Today, in the United States of America, we celebrate Veterans Day. A day to honor the men and women who have fought in war, and fought for our freedoms, so that we may live as a free nation. Originally named Armistice Day, Congress changed the name in June 1954. In 1971, Veterans Day was moved to the fourth Monday in October, but was later moved back to November 11 beginning in 1978.

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“On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.”1

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Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the day we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, who laid down their lives so that American’s could be free, free to choose, free to vote, free to live life.

We are and ever shall remain

“One Nation Under God, Indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for All.”

The next time you see a veteran, shake his or her hand, put your hand over your heart, just say Thank You. You don’t have to support war, but we do have to support our fellow Americans.

Thank you, to all the men and women of our military, here and away from home. My heart goes out to you and your families. I stand proud of my country because of you.

1. Source: http://www.history.com/topics/history-of-veterans-day

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