Every year since 1954 the United States has celebrated Veterans Day to honor the brave and selfless men and women who have served in our armed forces. The holiday was originally approved in 1938 as Armistice Day to commemorate the signing of the armistice that ended World War I on November 11, 1918. Many Americans view this day as simply another random holiday, but I think it is important for everyone to stop and contemplate all of the sacrifices made by the members of our military since the inception of our country. And perhaps, even take it a step further to remember the people who fought and died for the causes of other countries.

It is amazing to consider how poorly US and other country’s veterans have been treated in the aftermath of conflicts where they volunteered to fight for our freedom. Our fledgling country had difficulties just feeding and clothing the men who fought during the Revolutionary War, let alone paying them for their service. Even during the War of 1812 our government was still so poor that most of the soldiers did not get their promised salaries. Many a family who lost a son, father, or brother to the war did not even receive their loved one’s backpay after the conflict was over. Following the Seven Years War and the Napoleonic Wars, injured and displaced veterans in the United Kingdom were left to beg on the streets of London, even missing a limb or two. Some members of Parliament, particularly the House of Lords, did not feel it was their duty to care for these men after the conflict was over, despite all they had sacrificed for King and country. 

These are only a few examples of the unfortunate treatment veterans received following wars in the past. Though we still have a long way to go in properly rewarding and caring for the men and women who give so much, only to return from conflicts with injuries of both the mind and body, we have come a long way from the past. Veterans Day is just one of the many manifestations. So, thank a veteran today, say a prayer for those retired and still fighting, and thank God for their bravery.