“Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they’ve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us. That is our duty. They have never let America down. We will not let them down.” – President Ronald Reagan, 1986
Six days after a bitter presidential election marked by assassination attempts, comparisons to Hitler and divisive rhetoric that seemed to bring out the worst in everyone, Americans paused to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation on Veterans Day.
On Monday, my wife and I took our five kids to the Ball Ground Veterans Day program held outside the city hall of our northern Cherokee County town. It was a breath of fresh air, a reminder that our country is more than political campaigns and partisanship.
It is fitting that Veterans Day follows closely after federal elections. It serves as a reminder that there are things in this country far bigger than campaigns and candidates—things like duty, sacrifice and the ideals that have always made this country great. That is what we celebrate as we thank the men and women who have always answered the call to defend our nation.
We heard the solemn sounds of bagpipes and taps, and joined in the singing of the national anthem. We watched a wreath-laying ceremony and listened to speeches from local veterans. Our kids waved little flags, sat restless at times and heard names of faraway places like Normandy and Baghdad.
Sitting there, I was reminded that Veterans Day is more than speeches or ceremonies. It is a moment to reflect on the deep sacrifices made by veterans, recognize the complexities of their experiences and ensure that our commitment to supporting them doesn’t end when the ceremony does. Veterans Day is a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom, the strength of character, and the enduring bond of duty that unites those who have served to defend our country.
The history of Veterans Day dates back to World War I, the so-called “war to end all wars.” On November 11, 1918, at 11 a.m., the guns of Europe fell silent as an armistice was signed between the Allied nations and Germany, bringing an end to the war. This moment was significant not only because it ended one of the most devastating conflicts in history, but also because it symbolized the tremendous loss and suffering endured by millions of soldiers, civilians and families worldwide. The following year, the United States declared November 11th as Armistice Day, a time to honor the veterans of World War I.
After World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day was expanded to include all veterans, and in 1954, it became known as Veterans Day—a day to honor those who have served in all branches of the U.S. military, regardless of when or where they fought.
We celebrate Veterans Day because of our national gratitude. Today, military service is a choice made by individuals who willingly place themselves in harm’s way to defend the values of freedom, democracy and justice. Of course, prior to becoming an all-volunteer military in 1973, men were drafted into the armed services.
For many veterans, this means sacrificing time with family, enduring physical hardship and sometimes facing life-altering injuries or mental health challenges. Some veterans return home with visible scars, while others carry emotional wounds that are just as painful but less apparent. Some never come home.
On Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifices these men and women have made in service to our country. But this day is not just about remembering the past—it’s about ensuring that the service of veterans is recognized in the present and supported in the future. Veterans Day reminds us that our responsibility to veterans does not end when the war ends.
Moreover, Veterans Day is not only about honoring individual veterans; it’s also about celebrating the values that military service represents. The courage, discipline and selflessness required to serve in the armed forces benefit not only the service members themselves but society as a whole. In a nation that prides itself on liberty and democracy, military service is a tangible expression of the willingness to defend those ideals—even at great personal cost. Veterans Day acknowledges that this willingness is not a given, but something deserving of our respect and gratitude.
In this sense, Veterans Day is a call to action. It’s not just about saying “thank you” to veterans; it’s about embodying the values they have fought to defend. It’s about creating a society that values service, sacrifice and community. It’s about ensuring that those who have served are treated with dignity and respect, not only on November 11 but every day of the year.