It is also celebrated as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in other parts of the world, falling on November 11, which is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice.
When veterans return home from war, their worlds have completely changed. Your support is priceless. Bill Wallace, veteran and clinical director of U.S. VETS in Long Beach, California, shares what you can do to help service members transition back into their everyday lives.
There isn't one answer to all veterans' problems, so the best way to help is to be educated. "If the American public can seek out knowledge about veterans’ specific issues, then they can understand a bit how they can help and who they can reach out to in order to help," he says.
Also, showing love and respect for veterans is more powerful than you might think—even if the solider is a stranger. "Something as simple as walking up to a service member in an airport or on the streets who is in uniform and thanking them for their service or welcoming them home is so appreciated and helpful," Bill says. "It garners trust and lets the service members know that they are not forgotten."
Send a Thank You or Holiday Card to a Service Member on Veteran's Day
You can send a Holiday card, Thanksgiving card, or Thank You card to any wounded Service Member to let them know you care. Address the card to:
Any Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20307-5001