Do Your Part: Veterans Day - Blue Star Families

This Veterans Day ...

As the nation’s largest nonprofit organization supporting military and Veteran families, we understand that it will take all of us, doing our part, to make a difference. Blue Star Families appreciates your commitment to our nation. #DoYourPart

Veterans Day Message from Our CEO

Ways to 'Do Your Part' this Veterans Day

Blue Star Families empowers communities to support military and Veteran families year-round through initiatives focused on connection and community, job and economic security, and military youth well-being. Our goal is to ensure that every military and Veteran family feels at home, no matter where in the world their duties take them.

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Veterans Day Honor Wall

There is no better time than Veterans Day to recognize that our freedom isn't guaranteed. It's protected by the men and women in our Armed Services and we owe each and every one of them our gratitude. Please sign this virtual card to thank a Veteran for their service this Veterans Day!

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Thank you to veterans and families for the service to our country!

ANKITA B.

stillwater, OK

Words cannot express my gratitude. Know that I am truly thankful for you and your service. I hope you have a wonderful day and get plenty of thanks, because you deserve it. Thank you again for everything you have done, it means the world to me. Gratefully, Ginny Appenfeldt

Ginny A.

Reeseville, WI

Dear Veteran of the United States Military, and your family members, THANK YOU for your service to America, for your part in keeping us all safe, and for sending our enemies and adversaries the message that we have patriots like YOU standing ready to face and defeat any challenge. God bless you and your loved ones for the many sacrifices you make, so that every...

LeRoy F.

Thank you so much for your service and our freedom!

Barb S.

Veterans Day is a good time to remember that our freedom isn’t guaranteed. It’s protected by the men and women in our Armed Services. To those who secure our way of life… thank you!

Sue Anne W.

Thank you for your service.

Evan W.

Perry, OK

Thank You, for all you did for our Country and for making it as beautiful as it is today! I will never have the words to describe how thankful I am for each and every one of you. Happy Veterans Day!! Thank You!!

dara h.

marlow, OK

...... Thank you for serving for us !!! Your loyalty is impeccable, tried and true. You truly are heroes to all of us in this country ...... thank you once again !!!

BRYAN S.

CAPITOLA, CA

I thank you for your bravery and courage to fight or at least serve in the military. It is not an easy job and is a great responsibility to be serving to defend our nation, everyone in our country are safe thanks to all of years of service that all the veterans day or currently active are serving.

Yahir H.

Stillwater, OK

Thank you so much for your service and for putting the safety and security of the United States above your own. True selflessness is rare these days and it does not go unrecognized or unappreciated. Happy holidays!

Lola M.

Las Vegas, NV

Thank you for your bravery in serving for our country and the many sacrifices you have made. You are a true hero. We honor you on this day and everyday.

Vickie E.

Dallas, TX

Thank you for being for to help in when needed. My family grateful for keeping us safe . Veterans are part of our family. The men in our family, included A grand father my husband which went to Korea, my older son went to Gulf And uncle which went to world WAR II. That uncle died and buried in Belgium.9

Lupe Cordero C.

Aptos, CA

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There is no better time than Veterans Day to recognize that our freedom isn't guaranteed. It's protected by the men and women in our Armed Services and we owe each and every one of them our gratitude. Please sign this virtual card to thank a Veteran for their service this Veterans Day!

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What is the significance of Veterans Day?

Veterans Day, observed on November 11, is a U.S. holiday honoring all who served in the Armed Forces. Originally called Armistice Day, it marked the end of World War I in 1918 and was renamed in 1954 to recognize veterans from all wars. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors fallen soldiers, Veterans Day celebrates all veterans with parades, ceremonies, and expressions of gratitude nationwide.

Learn More About Veterans Day:

Origins and History

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on November 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. The holiday honored those who served in "the war to end all wars." In 1954, after World War II and the Korean War, the U.S. Congress amended the holiday to honor all American veterans, renaming it Veterans Day to celebrate the service of veterans from all wars.

Modern Observance

Today, Veterans Day is observed as a federal holiday on November 11, regardless of the day of the week. This allows Americans nationwide to remember and thank veterans for their service. The observance includes ceremonies at military cemeteries and war memorials, notably at Arlington National Cemetery, where a wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Many government offices and schools close, though some businesses remain open and may offer discounts to veterans.

Significance

Veterans Day holds deep significance as a day of national gratitude and recognition for the sacrifices made by veterans in defense of American values. It serves as a reminder of the personal and collective impact of military service, honoring the courage and commitment of all veterans, both in times of conflict and peace. Unlike Memorial Day, which specifically remembers fallen service members, Veterans Day celebrates the contributions of all veterans.

Traditions and Cultural Impact

Traditions on Veterans Day include parades, patriotic events, and observances of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, symbolizing the end of World War I hostilities. Many communities organize events where veterans share their experiences, and schools often educate students on military history and the meaning of service. In popular culture, Veterans Day reinforces the role of the armed forces in shaping American identity, emphasizing values of service, duty, and national pride.