#163 thank you

Today is Veterans Day -- a day set aside by Congress to honor those who have served in America's armed forces.  It is also Remembrance Day in Canada, a day to recall the sacrifices that Canadians have made in armed conflicts, and similar days are commemorated in other countries throughout the world.  The November 11 date was chosen in recognition of the day World War I hostilities officially ended in 1918.

Unlike Memorial Day, which remembers those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, "Veterans Day is intended 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, and to underscore the fact that all those who served -- not only those who died -- have sacrificed and done their duty."

The VA estimates that there are currently more than 22 million Veterans who have served in the armed forces and have reintegrated back into society.  Surely you know at least one of them.  Take a moment today to express your appreciation to those who have defended the freedoms you enjoy.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com
@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

(Source www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/doc/2012_veterans_day_teacher-guide)