11 Nov VETERANS DAY…A LOCAL SALUTE TO MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVED OUR COUNTRY

A special shout out to those local men and women and all those throughout the world who honorably served and continue to serve our great nation both during war or peacetime.  It first originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919 which marked the first anniversary of the end of World War 1.  It became a national holiday in 1938 and unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day salutes all American veterans – living or deceased.  It is a day in which we can give thanks both publically and privately to these individuals who risk their own lives to protect and help to guarantee our freedoms as a country.

This one federal holiday is especially near and dear to my heart being the wife of a former navy strike fighter pilot who fought in the gulf wars.  Those were some of the most difficult days of my life not knowing where he was or if he would make it back home to our family. We were fortunate that he did, while others were not.  But admittedly, those were also some of the proudest moments and waiting for that “sound of freedom” to erupt from the skies overhead brought tears to my eyes and chills down my spine.  The sacrifices the veterans and service men and women make today are enormous both on themselves and their families.  It is a community in itself that sadly some people outside this community fail to acknowledge, appreciate or even understand.

While giving this day its rightful due, I came across many facts about Veterans Day that you might find interesting:

It is remembered on November 11^th in recognition of the signing of the Armistice to end World War I, which occurred on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month.

All branches of the federal and state government are closed in honor of Veterans Day but since there is no legal requirement for schools – some remain open on that day.

Parades normally mark this event to honor all of our Veterans.

California has more U.S. military veterans than any other state.

There are over 21.8 million veterans and only 10% are female.

40,000 veterans are homeless.

The median income of veterans is

There are over 100,000 disabled American veterans.

Disney made films for each branch of the United States Military during World War II and approximately 90% of Disney employees worked in the Disney propaganda and training

video departments that were created at its studio.

There is no apostrophe in Veterans Day, although some still use it.

There are several  local businesses and restaurants that will be offering “freebies” to veterans and active military personnel this coming Saturday, including free or discounted food, drinks, car washes, flu shots, and merchandise discounts including Publix, Target and Home Depot.  Check out the website Kelly.tyko@tcpalm.com for more information.

Many of our partners are also holding special events in recognition of veterans.  In St. Pete, 3 Daughters brewery will be hosting their “Frogmen Feast” on November 26^th from 2-5 where some of the finest chefs in the country will be coming to raise money and awareness for the Tampa Bay Frogman Swim/Navy SEAL Foundation.  There will be dessert, beer, wine, music, a silent auction and raffle with all proceeds being donated to support US Navy SEALS and their families. In Dunedin, our great partner Cueni Brewery just hosted their “Beer, Dogs & Veteran Charity Fundraiser” with all proceeds going to support Veteran service dogs.  And these are just two examples of how the local community continues to reach out to support their neighbors and raise awareness around shared needs.

I encourage each of you to find a way to reach out locally and thank those men and women veterans who served to make our freedoms possible.  Whether it is by attending an event like the “Frogmen Feast”, making a donation (like leftover holiday candy to those organizations that send packages to those serving our country), saying a special thank you know that honorable served or to someone in uniform, supporting a local business that is Veteran owned, fly the American flag correctly (military.com’s guide to the flag), or even visit a VA hospital.

At the end of the day, perhaps Winston Churchill said it best – “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”   For there is a cost of freedom and our veterans have paid the price with their time, their sacrifices and some with even their own lives.  They deserve our gratitude today and every day.  Thanks for everything you have done and continue to do to keep this country free!