Today, we will take a moment and pause to express our gratitude to the men and women who have served our country. These men and women have given everything in their lives to allow us to enjoy the freedoms we all have.
Veterans Day was initially called Armistice Day. It commemorated the end of World War I when an armistice was signed on November 11, 1918. One year later, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed this day a time for Americans to remember the sacrifices made during the war and honor the hope for lasting peace. In 1938, Congress officially recognized November 11 as a national holiday dedicated to honoring World War I veterans and pursuing peace. After World War II and the Korean War, it became clear that veterans of all conflicts deserved a day of recognition, leading President Eisenhower in 1954 to change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. This broadened the holiday’s purpose to celebrate all American veterans who served in wartime or peacetime.
Observed on November 11th, Veterans Day is a time for us to pause, reflect, and show gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our country. This day allows us to step back from our daily routines to honor their sacrifices, acknowledging that their service safeguarded the freedoms and way of life we enjoy today.
We invite you to join us in honoring our veterans on this special day and beyond. Veterans Day is a tribute to all who have served, while Memorial Day commemorates those who gave their lives in service. In the United States, over 16 million veterans stand as a testament to this commitment. Each and every one of them has given of themselves to guard and protect us.
For those who haven’t served, Veterans Day brings a deep sense of gratitude and patriotism. Yet, for veterans themselves, the day can evoke complex emotions—gratitude for having returned home but grief for those who did not. Some veterans who haven’t done “anything” but serve and haven’t seen combat feel unworthy of recognition or wanting to be in the spotlight. They have served and are veterans worthy of acknowledgment. As we honor them, please remember to be sensitive to what our veterans may be feeling and facing.
Veterans deserve our recognition and support not only for their service but for the personal struggles they may carry. Many veterans live with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), or substance use challenges. Despite their courage, nearly half won’t seek treatment. Additionally, homelessness and mental health issues affect many veterans, with about 11% of homeless adults in the U.S. being veterans and an alarming rate of veteran suicides each year. As a nation, we must advocate for better support and resources for those who have given us so much.
These individuals are our nation’s heroes. They are often humble about their service and focus on the sacrifices of their fellow soldiers rather than their own. They may say they simply did what had to be done, but their actions deserve our highest respect and appreciation. This Veterans Day, consider volunteering or donating to organizations that support our veterans. Let’s ensure they know how much we honor and value their service.
Below are just a few ideas on how to honor our veterans:
Ways to Honor Veterans:
- Attend a Veterans Day event (search Veteran’s Day events near me)
- Educate others about Veterans Day – see the links below to share.
- Fly the United States of America Flag- click here to learn how to fly properly.
- Visit with a Veteran – talk and listen to their stories. If you don’t know a vet and want to visit with one, contact your local VA facility and make arrangements to visit there.
- Ask if they’d be willing to share a story (be sensitive and respectful if they do not)
- Visit grave and memorial sites.
- Thank them for their service – write a letter, make a card, look them in the eye, and thank them.
- Bring them a treat or invite them out to a meal.
- Volunteer your time or resources with a veteran-related organization.
- Donate funds to a veteran-related organization.
- Visit a local VA or other hospital.
- Support our legislators and public servants who support our veterans and the services that are provided to them.
- Be respectful of the Service Dogs that support our soldiers.
Torn in Half honors our veterans and the families of those who have served. We are both proud to have family members who have served and are serving.
Peace & blessings with much gratitude to those who have served,
Jeni & Teresa
Veterans Day Resources:
- https://www.military.com/veterans-day/8-ways-to-express-appreciation-on-veterans-day.html
- https://www.military.com/flag-day/us-flag-code.html
- https://www.militaryspouse.com/military-life/10-meaningful-ways-to-celebrate-and-honor-veterans-day/
Veteran Resources:
- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/help_for_veterans.asp
- https://www.military.com/veterans-day
- https://veteran.com/veterans-day-discounts-sales-deals-free-meals/
- https://www.standbesidethem.org/ – free coaching for veterans – Teresa serves on their coaching bench.
- https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/vet-stats
PTSD Specific:
Service Dog Protocol:
- https://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/best-practices-when-around-a-service-dog/
- https://www.guidedog.org/PuppyRaising/PuppyRaiserManual/Resources/Assistance_Dog_Etiquette.aspx
Click here for a blog on When to Ask For Help. If you have Thoughts of suicide – Get help immediately – call or text 988 in the US
Disclaimer: We cannot personally endorse these websites, books, or organizations. We are not mental health, legal, or financial professionals. Please use these sources for information only and consult professionals as necessary. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. torninhalf.com makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
PS: For additional support, you can download our free copy of 10 Ways to Move Forward After Loss
The First Days: Coping with Life After Loss is a resource for the first days after a loss – available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.
My Journey as a Widow: A Widow’s First Journal is a follow-up journal for processing complex emotions and moving forward with hope. It is available in paperback on Amazon.
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