The year was 1918. World War I ("The Great War", "the
war to end all wars") had wrought its destruction for
four long years. Over 10 million lives had been lost
forever. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of
the eleventh month, peace was finally declared. A permanent
truce, known as an "armistice", became official and
people around the world rejoiced.
In hailing the end of war, President Woodrow Wilson
proclaimed:
"To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day
will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those
who died in the country's service, and with gratitude
for the victory, both because of the thing from which
it has freed us, and because of the opportunity it has
given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice
in the councils of the nations."
In 1938, a United States Congressional Act made November 11th a federal holiday. The Act declared it "...a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace". The Act was amended in 1954 to rename the holiday to 'Veterans Day', so that all veterans could be honored.
The day has different names in different countries, but its purpose is the same everywhere it's observed. Whether called Armistice Day, Remembrance Day or Veterans Day, it remains a time to honor those who fought and to renew our committment to peace. The specific programs listed below are for residents of the United States, but these ideas can be applied anywhere.
VOLUNTEER
The days can be long and
lonely when you're stuck in a hospital. The Department
of Veterans Affairs is looking for volunteers to visit
hospitalized vets and let them know that someone cares. Veterans' medical facilities are
also in need of drivers to help patients get to and
from their appointments.
Find facility locations here.
Then call and ask for Voluntary Service to find out
how you can help.
Find your nearest national cemetary location here.
Recording the personal histories of veterans can be educational and rewarding. All you need is a way to record their words and a pair of open ears. Offer them the recording as a gift that they can give to their families.
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial
in Washington, DC needs volunteers year-round
to help visitors to the Memorial.
Stand Downs are community-based outreach events designed to meet the needs of homeless veterans. They provide services such as job counseling, job training, medical treatment, legal help, benefits counseling, clothing and, of course, hot meals. Stand Downs can be held at any time of the year. Volunteers are always needed. For a list of scheduled Stand Downs across the US, see the links below. If your city isn't listed, please consider putting together a Stand Down for the veterans of your community.
if you're reading this article, you have Internet access. Not everyone does. There's a wealth of information on the Web that could be of benefit to vets. For instance, Military.com
helps veterans learn about discounts, loans, scholarships
and benefits. They also offer a Buddy Finder to help
locate old friends from the service. Help bring the
wonders of the Net to a vet!
Non-profit agencies that help veterans are always in need of funds. One way that they raise those funds is by operating thrift stores. You can help by donating items, volunteering your time or simply shopping. By the way, veterans' thrift stores are rated by the experts as some of the best places to find clothing, costumes and unexpected treasures at low, low prices.
If your company has a project
in mind that's too big for your staff to handle, consider
outsourcing it to Veteran's Industry. A program of the Department
of Veteran Affairs, Veteran's
Industry helps disabled vets regain self-sufficiency
through vocational and rehabilitative training. It's also
a cost effective way to get your work done. They even have
hourly rates! In addition, you can prescreen vets as temporary
employees before hiring them on as permanent staff members.
Landmark Destiny Group also provides a job service for employers and veterans, as well as resume generation, resume review, personality testing, a military-to-civilian job translator, and a series of military transition newsletters. As the company points out, veterans are skilled, motivated, trainable and disciplined, making them excellent employment candidates.
DONATE
If you have a little extra spending cash, consider honoring Veterans' Day by making a donation to a charity that helps vets. The list below is by no means complete, but it's a good starting point.
The Bob Woodruff Family Fund, in conjunction with the Brain Injury Association of America, assists service members injured while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Special emphasis is placed on the "hidden signature injuries" of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan – traumatic brain injury (TBI) and combat stress injuries including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Building Homes For Heroes does exactly what their name implies by building handicapped-accessible homes for disabled veterans.
The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes helps severely wounded troops and their families through emergency financial aid, family support programs and the Road to Recovery conference.
The Evan A. Ashcraft Memorial Foundation provides Iraq war vets & their dependents with educational support, and aids veterans in receiving physical and psychological treatment.
Fisher House enables military families to stay close to the medical facility where their loved one is receving care.
Homes for Our Troops provides specially adapted homes for severely wounded service members.
The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund provides grants to injured Marines and Sailors, as well as their families. There is no expectation of repayment. Grants may help with immediate financial needs such as travel, childcare, lodging or problems resulting from lost family wages. Assistance is also given for long term needs such as modified homes and vans.
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund provides assistance to wounded military personnel, and to the families of those lost in service to our country.
The National Veterans' Foundation runs a toll-free helpline for all veterans and their families, outreach services that provide veterans and families in need with food, clothing, transportation, employment, and other essential resources, and public awareness programs.
Strikeouts for Troops is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for our war wounded veterans being treated at military hospitals across the country.
Veterans Airlift Command provides free air transportation to wounded warriors, veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes through a national network of volunteer aircraft owners and pilots.
Yellow Ribbon Fund provides transportation, lodging and other support for families of injured service members at Walter Reed and Bethesda hospitals.
Lastly, in Canada, the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month is observed with two minutes of silence. The practice is also spreading here in the US. Make a promise to yourself to spend two minutes meditating on the meaning of Veterans Day.
