Veterans Day History

Veteran's Day and Heroes

When I began writing about heroes for children in 1994, I had no idea my school concert bookings would significantly increase each year on and around Veterans Day: November 11. Learning about and singing the praises of this special day has been an unintended consequence of my mission to help children understand the nature of true heroes.

As we approach this important day, let's remember its origins. It began in 1926 as Armistice Day, which means Peace Day, as a result of the ending of WWI on the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month in 1918. That war was so bad, its survivors created a day that would remind us to do everything we can to get along with each other so we never again have to fight each other.

In 1954, President Eisenhower changed the day to Veterans Day and called upon Americans to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace and to recognize the men and women who served in our armed forces. (Memorial Day is about those who died. Veteran’s Day is about those who served.)

So, Veterans Day is about working to keep the peace between nations while we honor our soldiers.

Dave Kinnoin and I wrote a song on my American Heroes #4 album that's a good fit. I See a Hero” is about wanting to emulate someone who inspires you, and about letting that person know s/he is a hero to you.

Veteran heroes I’ve song about: 

          * Harriet Tubman. She was a spy for the northern Army during the Civil War (and never got paid for it). 

          * Dr. Seuss, who helped make informational movies during WWII. 

          * Jackie Robinson 

          * Theodore Roosevelt, the only person ever to receive a nation’s highest military honor and the Nobel Peace Prize. 

          * Neil Armstrong (Korean War) 

          * George Washington

Please take the initiative to thank and honor someone who serves or served in the armed forces.

And please remember, one of the best ways we can honor our soldiers is by keeping them safe. When we help people get along with each other, our soldiers are less likely to find themselves in harm's way.