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250 Years of Service and Sacrifice

“We don’t know them all, but we owe them all.”

Author unknown


Every November 11, Americans pause to honor the brave men and women who have served in our military, both past and present. This year is especially significant because three branches are celebrating 250 years of service and sacrifice to our country. The Army was founded on June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized enlistments of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year. In the same year, on October 13, the Continental Congress passed a resolution to form a navy, and shortly thereafter, on November 10 (TODAY), the Continental Marines were established.


The United States is not the only nation to honor military Veterans. This holiday coincides with commemorations in other countries, such as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, marking the anniversary of the end of World War 1. According to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs, there are 17.6 million veterans currently living in the United States, which accounts for approximately 7% of the population over the age of 18. Today's Veterans have served in a multitude of campaigns, from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War, as well as ongoing Wars on Terror to include operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.


Sometimes it’s hard to imagine why anyone would risk their life in service, but those who choose to belong to America’s military are joining the finest, most elite fighting force in the world. They feel an immense sense of patriotism toward our country, and they want to be part of something bigger than themselves. To that end, recruitment numbers in the U.S. are booming, with every branch meeting or exceeding their goals for 2025.

 

Whether it’s a Veteran you know personally or heroes you’ll never meet, Veterans Day is a chance to reflect, remember, and show gratitude. Here are some things you might do to thank a Veteran:


  • Personally thank an active duty or retired Veteran and their family for their sacrifices to our nation

  • Write a thank you card and drop it off at a VA hospital

  • Place a flag on a Veteran’s grave

  • Make a charitable donation to help wounded Veterans, or sponsor an “honor flight” to send Veterans of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam to Washinton D.C., to see their national monuments

  • Call your VA hospital to see how you may help

  • Display the flag proudly to salute our Veterans

  • Learn more about our Veterans by reading books or educational materials and share these with your children

  • Pray the Prayer to St. Michael for the protection of our military, which we do each day at Morning Assembly at SMS


For me personally, I send a shout-out to my husband, Patrick, a Marine Veteran who served 25 years. Semper Fi and Happy Birthday USMC! And to all of our men and women in uniform: past, present, and future, God bless you all, and THANK YOU!

 

Deo Gratias, Kathy



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