To Those Who Have Served...

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." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.^A

Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free.^D ~ Thank You For Your Sacrifices

According to the Department of Defense there are approximately 3 million Military Service Members both Active Duty and Reserve serving today.^B  According to the Census Bureau web site there are approximately 310 million people living in the United States.^C  Which, if you calculate the percentages... less than 1% of the population protects and defends the freedoms of this nation for the rest of us on a daily basis... 

All numbers accurate as of the date on the receipt.  They have changed.  
As for me today, an unadorned thank you.  
A – History.com http://www.history.com/topics/history-of-veterans-dayB -  Department of Defense – DoD 101 http://www.defense.gov/pubs/dod101/index.htmlC – U. S. Census Bureau – U. S. & World Population Clocks Originally posted on 11 Nov 2010 

Copyright © 2009  Paulette Smith All Rights Reserved.