Yesterday on November 11, 2025 many shared their feelings specific to Veteran’s Day. Initially this day was known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1938, Congress made Armistice Day a legal federal holiday to honor for the most part those who had served in WWi. Then in 1954, Congress again made first a name change to Veteran’s Day and then the purpose of this still federal holiday was to honor all who had served. NOTE: Memorial Day is to remember those service men and women who gave their lives protecting this Republic.
Many US citizens are Veterans. From WWII, in 2024 there are an estimated 66,000 veterans still with us. For the Korean War, that number as of 2025 that number is much higher with an estimated 650,000 to 800,00 veterans still alive. Jump forward to the Vietnam War and we learn as of 2025, one source suggests that are an estimated 5.2 million living veterans of the over 8 million who served from 1964-1973
I will stop with the Vietnam War as my husband, Ken Smith, is a proud Army Veteran. Here in Golden Valley, AZ we have numerous Vietnam War veterans. Maybe that is another reason I so enjoy living here.
We have met so many Veterans here and they have become good friends. There is something about those who served and gave part of their lives to preserve our Republic. Part of their lives still remain where they served as their lives have changed from PTSD, heart disease, cancer, Parkinson, the still unknown long term effects of Agent Orange, etc.
On this Wordless Wednesday, my sense is we should recognize our surviving Veterans everyday. Here in Mohave County, I often hear thank you for your service as complete strangers see a Vietnam Vet's headwear.
For me, I also say with sincere thanks every time I can identify a veteran. Our Veterans deserve not only our gratitude, but more importantly 100% support, financially, healthcare, etc. from our Federal Government and sadly that is not the case.
P.S. Please consider checking out my Facebook business page, The Grit and Gratitude Realtor, that will focus on the Dirt Roads in Mohave County as well local real estate, lots of dirt or vacant land parcels as some of the local attractions.
#LetsGetBackToRealConversations #WeDoThingsDifferently #GoldenValleyAZ #VeteransDay #MohaveCounty
Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne Smith
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