Friday, 11/11/11 is Veterans Day. It is a strangely uncelebrated holiday. When one of my friends who works for the Federal Government told me he had the day off on Friday, I was genuinely confused as to why. It took me 24 hours to remember that Veterans Day is a holiday for the Feds.
Why isn't the day of honor more widely celebrated? Why do most folks get off Columbus Day but work through Veterans Day? Personally, I think we would be better off shifting around our calendar and celebrating Veterans Day in October and giving some meaning back into that day off in October--and giving our Veterans the holiday and honor they deserve.
For those of you who want to honor the men and women who have so valiantly served our country, here is a sight, prepared by the Department of Veterans Affairs, that provides some information about events scheduled to honor our Veterans, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Veteran's Day--November 11.
There was an article in Parade Magazine last weekend (11-6-11), that had some really great--and practical--ways that we can all help Veterans, as well as active duty Military families. 11 Ways to Help Veterans on 11-11-11 has some suggestions that I found really unusual. If you are good with animals, maybe you could foster a pet for a deployed soldiear or wounded veteran through guardianangelsforsoldierspet.org . You could donate your used cell phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Personally, at the holidays, I like the idea of putting together a care package for a veteran. Find out how to do that through soldierpackages.org.
Above all else, I want to say thank you to all the Veterans and Active Duty Military who fought, and continue to fight, for our freedoms every day.
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