In Canada we observe Remembrance Day while the US observes Veterans Day and while they are called two different things the meaning is still the same. Veterans Day is a day to honor the men and women who have served and are serving our country. Over a million men and women serve our country every single day! I am not a history buff by any means but I think it is important to teach our children why we observe these holidays.
I remember the trip to Hawaii on my 16th birthday and being lucky enough to visit Pearl Harbor, it is truly humbling walking over the sunken battle ship and into the memorial. Oil still leaks from the vessel where many bodies lie in rest. Inside the memorial I couldn't believe how many names were on the wall of those who had fallen while protecting their country and fighting for our freedom. I know I will be taking my kids to Pearl Harbor so they can experience a piece of what happened there. Even though Pearl Harbor was what started World War II it truly was an eye opener that text books and a movie can never truly capture.
Lest We Forget.
When was Veterans Day Started?
Veterans Day was started in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson. In 1938 Congress approved a bill that made Veterans Day a legal holiday.
Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the end of hostilities of World War I on that date in 1918. This day was specifically dedicated in remembrance for members of the armed forces who were killed during World War I.
Why was November 11th chosen as the day to remember?
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.” ~ wikipedia
So today honor a Veteran!