To say thank you this veterans day, we created this animated GIF file which shows the flags of the five branches of the military and the US flag. You can put this on your website, emails, or share it with your friends!
Take a moment and read the brief history. Tell us your veteran experience. We would love to hear from you. And to all the veterans home and abroad, we say thank you.
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| American and Soviet troops meet east of the Elbe River. WWII |
For many, 11/11 is a casual wish–I hope I get a good grade on the test tomorrow, or, if I could just go one day without my car stalling out that would be awesome. But for active military and their families, for disabled veterans of veterans having trouble coping with their experiences, their wish on 11/11 is to be able to come home safely. These are wishes, some of us will never have to face. In 1918 on 11/11 at 11am, their wish came true. But The Great War did not end all wars.
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| Hamid Karzai with U.S. Special Forces during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001. |
In 2008 the senate pronounced a resolution that this week in November would become National Veterans Awareness Week to promote educational opportunities for elementary and high school students to learn about veterans and their sacrifices.
RESOLUTION
Designating the week of November 9 through November 15, 2008, as 'National Veterans Awareness Week' to emphasize the need to develop educational programs regarding the contributions of veterans to the country.
Whereas tens of millions of Americans have served in the Armed Forces of the United States during the past century;
Whereas hundreds of thousands of Americans have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces during the past century;
Whereas the contributions and sacrifices of the men and women who served in the Armed Forces have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the people of the United States;
Whereas the advent of the all-volunteer Armed Forces has resulted in a sharp decline in the number of individuals and families who have had any personal connection with the Armed Forces;
Whereas this reduction in familiarity with the Armed Forces has resulted in a marked decrease in the awareness by young people of the nature and importance of the accomplishments of those who have served in the Armed Forces, despite the current educational efforts of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the veterans service organizations;
Whereas the system of civilian control of the Armed Forces makes it essential that the future leaders of the Nation understand the history of military action and the contributions and sacrifices of those who conduct such actions; and
Whereas in each of the years 2000 through 2007 the Senate has recognized the need to increase the understanding of the contributions of veterans among school-aged children by approving a resolution recognizing the week containing Veterans Day as 'National Veterans Awareness Week': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate —
(1) designates the week of November 9 through November 15, 2008, as 'National Veterans Awareness Week' for the purpose of emphasizing educational efforts directed at elementary and secondary school students concerning the contributions and sacrifices of veterans; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe National Veterans Awareness Week with appropriate educational activities.
One small thing you can do is fly a flag. If you served or have a friend who served, fly the flag of their military branch. Have a blessed Veterans Day!
