Why Veterans Day is important

Every year, Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11 in remembrance of all the veterans who have dedicated their lives in the service of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Originally known as Armistice Day, this holiday was created in 1918 to honor the 16 million lives lost in World War II. Today, we remember all of our service members, both living and dead. The name was officially changed to Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day is a chance for Americans to pay homage to veterans of all conflicts and to reflect on the fact that millions have offered their lives in the service of liberty, equality and human dignity. Today, we still fight for those same principles. Air Force veterans have honored a legacy of valor for more than a century. Airmen today are confident they can bring a new era of peace and stability to the American people.

Veterans Day celebrations reflect on the past and present. Every year at precisely 11 a.m., a color guard is assembled at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Arlington National Cemetery. The color guard is made up of all branches of the military. This tradition is held to pay respect to veterans of all branches of the Armed Forces. The president or a representative is usually in attendance and will lay a wreath upon the grave.

One significant Veterans Day symbol is the poppy flower.

Poppy flowers are known for their bright red coloring and their ability of thriving in areas that have been disturbed by war. People all over America wear poppy flowers as a sign of gratitude for those who have fought, and are still fighting, for the freedom of the U.S.

Today, Americans everywhere will be paying their respects to military service members. This is a day for remembering the sacrifice that these individuals have made in the past, are making now and will make in the future. Veterans Day is not just a day of remembrance, but a day of thanks and gratitude.