Veterans Day 2024; a legacy of service

Veterans Day is a special day for America’s approximately 15.8 million veterans.   It is, the Veterans Administration (VA) tells us, a “celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

Confused about the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?  If so, you are not alone.  The VA explains:

“Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.”

World War II veterans

Honor Flight of veterans at the WW II Memorial

As we celebrate, we should remember that of the 16.4 million who served in the military during World War II (equivalent to about 36 million today), less than 66,000 are still alive. 

According to the VA, “their median age is 98 years old [and by] 2034, the number of living WWII Veterans is expected to fall to 1,000.” 

We can never thank these heroes enough.

Ordinary people doing the extraordinary

There were many famous people who served in World War II and during other periods, but it is important to remember that the vast majority of veterans are ordinary people who did what their country needed them to do.

To get a sense of this, I invite you to take a look at the video (here) created by my high school classmate, friend, (and Lawfire^® contributor!) retired Army Colonel Bill Knightly.

Fr. Kenny was one of my teachers

The video is about those grads who served during the past 100 years from our high school, Salesianum (an all-boys Catholic high school in Wilmington, Delaware). It is extremely moving, and illustrates the ordinary people who served…and sacrificed.

Much of it focuses on World War II, but it also covers other wars as well as peacetime service around the globe.  Salesianum has a long history of graduates serving the armed forces, and Bill’s video brilliantly tells a story.  Take a look; you won’t be sorry.

The President’s proclamation

The President has issued a proclamation for Veterans Day 2024.  Here’s part of it:He adds:Events

Ceremonies will be held across the country on Monday.  Duke University will have a Commemoration Ceremony at 11:00 a.m. in the Duke Chapel.  The event will be live streamed here. A schedule for other events in the NC Triangle area is found here.

If you are looking for Veterans Day events in your area, the VA has a handy website (here) showing hundreds of events in many parts of the country. 

For veterans, there are scores of restaurants offering a free meal in appreciation for their service.  Other businesses are offering special discounts to veterans on Monday.

Concluding thoughts

Veterans comprise just 6.1% of the entire U.S. civilian population 18 and older but the imprint they continue to make in society permeates across the nation.  I am proud to have served alongside them.  And, it was an honor and a privilege to serve our nation.  So I thank all the other veterans for standing up and serving our country, whether in wartime or peacetime.  And, I thank America for continuing to remember veterans.