Veterans Day is an annual tribute to all veterans who served in the armed forces and is observed on November 11. It should not be confused with Memorial Day, which honors those who passed in the line of duty. On the other hand, people celebrate Veterans Day to recognize all military veterans, including those who have passed away and those who are still with us.
5 Interesting Facts About Veterans Day
World War I ended on November 11, 1918 with the signing of the armistice agreement between the Allied Forces and Germany. This became the basis for the annual celebration of Veterans Day.
There are many other interesting facts surrounding this holiday that people may not be totally aware of. Below are some of them.
1. Two-Minute Silence
It is the most popular way and perhaps the most respectful way of observing Veterans Day. Based on a relatively new law signed by President Barack Obama, all Americans are asked to voluntarily offer two minutes of silence as a way of honoring the sacrifices made by military veterans. The silence is to be observed simultaneously on Veterans Day at 2:11 pm Eastern Standard Time. It is often followed by a safety message for the day as delivered by top military or government officials.
2. California is Home
1.56 million veterans reside in California, the highest among all the states. Coming in at second place is Texas which has a population of 1.46 million veterans.
3. There’s No ‘S’
Veterans Day does not have an apostrophe and an ‘S’ at the end. Although it might appear like it’s just a matter of semantics, it actually has a clear and deliberate meaning. The Department of Veterans Affairs stresses that Veterans Day is not a holiday for veterans but a day to honor all veterans.
4. Three 11’s
Veterans Day was originally Armistice Day, so named to mark the signing of the armistice agreement which ended World War I. The signing took place at the eleventh hour (11am) on the eleventh day of the eleventh month (November), but the day was not declared a holiday by Congress until 1938.
5. No Mails
There is no postal service on Veterans Day, one of the few days when all mail deliveries are put to a stop. The service will resume the following day, November 12, when you can send a Veterans Day thank you message to a veteran close to you.
Veterans Day Safety Tips
Just like many American holidays, people observe Veterans Day either by taking an out-of-town vacation or hosting a party at home. Veterans Day, however, is unique because it is also often regarded as the start of winter safety campaigns. Given this, people are advised to prepare for a change in mindset by following the Veterans Day safety tips listed below.
1. Drive Defensively
Wintery roads are likely to become common around Veteran’s Day since it usually signals the start of the cold season. If you’re going out on this day, drive with caution and be more alert to your surroundings. Concentrate on your driving and avoid distractions like a ringing phone until you reach your destination.
2. Plan Ahead
Seasonal changes are common during this time of the year, so keep yourself updated on the weather in your area. This should help you decide if you can still push through with your plans for Veterans Day. If you do, you might consider wearing safety alert buttons as an added precaution.
3. Check Your Vehicle
Before leaving home on Veterans Day, ensure that your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes water, a flashlight, shovels, non-perishable foods, and personal security devices. This is especially important if you’re traveling long-distance. With the cold season approaching, you should also check if your windshield washer reservoir is full and if the wiper blades are in good condition.
4. Watch the Alcohol
If you’re going to be celebrating Veterans Day with drinks at home, do so responsibly as you keep in mind the military corps values. However, if you plan to go on a road trip with family or friends, it’s best to forego alcoholic drinks altogether. We all know drinking alcohol can cause impaired judgment and poor decision-making, which could lead to disaster if you’re on the road.
5. Donate Safely
Many wonderful organizations provide support, services, and appreciation to many retired military personnel. These include VSOs or veterans service organizations found in many local communities. Donating even a small amount to these groups through their online platforms can positively impact the lives of service members who have left the military. Given the present pandemic situation, however, extending your assistance through non-contact means is still best.
6. Cook Safely
Cookouts usually take place during holidays, including Veterans Day. If a fire erupts while you’re grilling, you should know how to put it out. If this is caused by grease, do not attempt to extinguish it with water. Instead, it would help if you smothered the flame using a towel.
7. Prepare the Fireplace
If your Veterans Day plan is just to spend it at home with your loved ones, you may want to inspect and clean your wood-burning fireplace if you have one. Clean and remove any debris or dust that may have built up on the fireplace logs, so the place can keep you warm throughout the day and the following months during winter.
In case of a fire, many Veterans Day Safety tips recommend that there should be a working fire extinguisher that you can readily access. The fire alarms should likewise be fully functional, but it’s best to check them beforehand, especially the batteries.
Key Takeaway
Veterans Day is a special American holiday for two reasons. First, it pays tribute to the sacrifices made by retired military people through different Veterans Day thank you events. Second, Veterans Day is often seen as a sign of the changing seasons, with winter set to come in. Thus, while merry celebrations mark the holiday, it should also be taken as an opportunity to prepare for cold temperatures.
Besides the cold, winter can also bring in several disasters like floods and fires. The latter is common, given the many get-togethers that usually come with the celebration of Veterans Day. Given this, following several Veterans Day safety tips is recommended so you can have a worry-free holiday.
Contact Deep Water Emergency Services and Mitigation so you can have a safe Veterans Day celebration.
Like many American holidays, the celebration of Veterans Day is hardly disaster-free. Cooking fires that can lead to water damage are not uncommon. Never fear, however, because Deep Water Emergency Services and Mitigation is always ready when disaster strikes.
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