Author: Deb L Waters

Veterans Day originally was called Armistice Day. It started in 1919 on the one-year anniversary of the end of World War I. It was made a national holiday in 1938 and later renamed “Veterans Day” in 1954. The renaming was to enable the ability to honor all veterans from every U.S. war.

Veterans Day is the time for each and every one of us to show our appreciation for the military men and women who have served our country. On this day, we celebrate the attributes that we most admire in those who serve: Courage. Honor. Sacrifice. Selflessness. The sacrifices Veterans’ make are selfless and immeasurable. For a tremendous number of Veterans, those sacrifices did not end when they came home from duty. For some others, they paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend Freedom. It was their testament to their unbelievable loyalty, bravery, and commitment. All Veterans are Heroes.

Veterans Day is always on November 11th regardless of what day of the week it falls on. Why is it always on the 11th? This date in particular recognizes the Armistice of November 11, 1918, the formal agreement which marked the official end of World War I. It was on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 when allied forces and Germany came together to sign the peace treaty.

Veterans Day gives the country an opportunity to thank those who previously served in the U.S. military. It is different from Memorial Day in that aspect. Memorial Day honors those military members who died while serving their country. It is also different from Armed Forces Day. Armed Forces Day celebrates and recognizes those currently serving in the U.S. military.

Today, I want to thank all Veterans for their service to our country and the sacrifices they made and continue to make to ensure the Freedoms I and all of us are allowed to enjoy. I am also remembering my ancestors who served our great nation and those family members still living who served the United States Military.

Pictured in the slideshow above are Calvin C. Miller, Confederate Soldier in the Civil War, is the paternal grandfather of wife of my great-grandfather. Harvey Martin Watson, U.S. Army, my maternal grandfather, served during World War I.

In this slideshow are my dad, Nornal Hule Waters, U.S. Navy who served during the Korean War. Eddie Woodrow Waters, my uncle and my dad’s brother, U.S. Army who also served during the Korean War.

Pictured in this slideshow group are my brother, Larry Dean Waters, U.S. Air Force he served during the time of Desert Storm. My son, David Clyde Wilson, U.S. Marines served in Afghanistan.

In this day and age, we need to remember and thank our Veterans and those serving more than once a year. We should thank them every day for their service. Pray for them daily. The sacrifices they made; we know nothing about. For some, their struggles didn’t end when they came home but are ongoing. Too many veterans fight daily internal struggles. We need to do more to insure they have their needs met and are able to receive whatever resources necessary for them to feel valued, respected, and honored.

Again, Thank you Veterans for your services and sacrifices to the United States of America.

God Bless. Thank you! I appreciate y’all.