Veterans Day–Honoring All Who Served

Veterans Day is an important day, set aside to honor and show appreciation for ALL who have served in the United States military—in wartime or peacetime, living or deceased. Originally known as Armistice Day, the holiday celebrated the victory of the Allied forces in World War I. In 1954 the United States Congress changed the name to Veterans Day and made it a federal holiday to give thanks on November 11th each year to all veterans past and present, men and women from all walks of life and all ethnicities who have shared the common and enduring bond of service in uniform to their country.

In many ways, Veterans Day is simply about mindfulness and taking the time to show gratitude to the hearts of our nation’s warriors. It’s a time to recognize their sacrifices, the sense of duty and the love of country–patriotism at its finest.

American balladeer Bob Dylan said “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” And as we celebrate those whose services validate Dylan’s words, all of us would be well to remember and uphold the message of the late President John F. Kennedy, himself a veteran, who said of service men and women “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

From Aerlex President Steve Hofer and the entire staff, we express our gratitude and pay our deepest respects. The veterans have taught us the meaning of true patriotism and they’ll always be in our heart and prayers. On this Veterans Day, let us remember the service of our veterans and be grateful to them.