Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day out of the year, we all intentionally stand together united in respect for our veterans.
The original holiday was called Armistice Day – the day that the Allied powers signed a ceasefire agreement with Germany bringing the war now known as World War 1 to a close. November 11th became commemorated as the day that on the 11th hour, 11th day and in the 11th month of 1918 that signaled the end of war. It wasn’t until 1938 that the United States recognized and declared that Armistice Day be a national holiday – and not until 1954 was the name changed to Veterans Day by none other than President Dwight D. Eisenhower. While Armistice Day celebrated the end of WW1, Veterans Day celebrates veterans of all wars.
In 1968 the Uniform Holiday Bill ensured three-day weekends for federal employees. In 2001 the week of Nov. 11th through Nov. 17th was designated “National Veterans Awareness Week”. This United States Senate Resolution 143 calls for educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans. Ever since that day in 1918, the US has been making strides to improve education, unity and honoring of all veterans.
You might notice that the word “veterans” does not include an apostrophe. That is not a preference – rather it is a definite and deliberate choice with meaning! According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Day is a day for honoring veterans directly in front of us right now, not a day that belongs to veterans.
In Sand Springs there are many ways to respect and care for veterans through many organizations. If you are looking for a way to support local veterans, please consider reaching out to one of the below organizations to see how you and your family can help today.
American Legion Billie A. Hall Post 17
Located at 500 N Main St, Sand Springs, the American Legion Bille A. Hall Post 17 has many events and gatherings to help raise money and awareness for veterans. On Thursdays they host a Bingo Night with a crew of veterans to man the bingo floor, a women’s quilting group on Tuesday Mornings who work hard to continue traditions, they help countless charities, and even give a few scholarships to the sandite students!
To get involved with this organization, please call (918) 245-0000.
Vets that Matter
Vets that Matter is a group of men and women in Sand Springs and the Tulsa Metro area who are committed to providing connections to resources for our young and older veterans in or out of service. Their purpose is to fight for the lives of veterans who are still fighting the war, even after they return home. Vets that Matter give a hand up by building on biblical values and encouraging personal growth.
If you would like to be involved in this organization, please call 918-928-7685.
We are proud to live in a town that respects, honors, celebrates and strives to provide the best resources for the veterans of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Now we take a moment to say thank you. Thank you for your hard work, dedication and sacrifice to our country. Because of you, we can truly live in the land of the free and home of the brave.
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