Sandwiched between National Cupcake Day (11/10) and World Kindness Day (11/12), is Veterans Day on November 11th.
In the hustle and bustle of our busy daily lives, we tend to lose the significance of a day that honors all who served. Fortunately, local civic and community organizations carry on the Veterans Day traditions such as symbolic events, speaking engagements and parades. Our local community holds an annual event at the area middle school with distinguished speakers and invitees.
What's important is keeping the stories and the memories of our veterans alive, especially with our school age children. Their stories of bravery and heroism are captivating and inspirational. Even the stories of day to day life in the military has its interesting and oftentimes comical moments.
If you're a son, daughter, husband, wife, grandchild, great-grandchild, aunt, uncle or even a friend of a veteran, ask them about their experiences during their years of service. You'll most likely be surprised with a takeaway that you'll have for the rest of your life.
Did you know...
Today less than 1.5% of Americans who served in World War II are alive in 2021
Everyday approximately 600 Korean War veterans pass away
Vietnam War veterans range in age between 55 to 97, with the median age 68 years old
There are more than 2.5 million post 9/11 military veterans that have served our nation, which is less than 1% of the population. 80 percent of those spent some time in an overseas combat zone.
There are around 19 million U.S. veterans as of 2021, according to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, representing less than 10% of the total U.S. adult population
So as we enjoy that sweet sugary confection or kindness around us, remember that we are the home of the free because of the brave.
Sergeant Eric L. Ash
United States Army National Guard
19K M1 Armor Crewman