Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans Day Reflection

October 10, 2025

VFSO

Veterans Day is a day to honor living Veterans. It was originally known as Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. The treaty signed by the Allied Nations and Germany was finalized on the eleventh month, eleventh day, at the eleventh hour in 1918. It has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1938 and was renamed Veterans Day after the Korean War in 1954.

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Bill, which became effective in 1971. The Bill designated the fourth Monday in October as the day of recognition. However, this change diminished the historical significance of the original date and caused confusion. In 1975, a new law was passed to restore the observance to its original date—November 11.

There are many ways Veterans Day can be celebrated: national ceremonies, speeches, local parades, luncheons, and dinners.  A veteran may have been drafted or volunteered, male or female, they are still a veteran who took an oath to serve this country and uphold the Constitution. It is important to show appreciation for those that have served. They endured untold sacrifices and dedicated themselves to protecting the freedoms and rights that we all cherish.

There are many ways to support the veterans, not just on Veterans Day, but every day. You can volunteer with or donate to the local veteran organizations, give them cards or letters, say “Thank you,” buy from a veteran-owned businesses, fly an American flag to show support, cheer for them at the parades, change your social media page for the day, listen while they share their experiences, or buy them a meal if you see them in arestaurant. Many veterans are older and may need help or assistance with yard work, home maintenance, household chores or transportation to the store or a doctor’s appointment.

In 2022, Arizona had an estimated population of just under 455,000 veterans, ranking as the 13th highest state for veteran population.

The Veteran and Family Services Office will be hosting a Veterans Day event. Date Location and time to be determined.

To all Veterans, we THANK YOU for your service!

Office Coordinator- USMC Retired Eric White 520-562-5145

Peer Specialist - US Army Darrell Whitman 520-610-2037

Peer Specialist- USMC Wesley Rhodes 520-610-4384

Veterans Service Officer –USMC Kim Skelton 520-562-5144