Happy Veterans Day! Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day, was originally celebrated to honor the end of World War I and took place on Nov. 11, 1918. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution marking the date as an annual observance. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans — alive or dead who have served their country during either war or in times of peace.
The United States military was one of the first federal institutions to become desegrated. On July 26, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981 officially banning segregation in the Armed Forces. Around this time African-Americans made up almost 10 percent of the total U.S. and during World War II, the Army had become the nation's largest minority employer. Yet it's important to recognize that Black soldiers have contributed to United States military operations since the founding of the country and the African American Veterans Monument Online Exhibit provides a rich and plentiful history of their service.
A Million Thanks was created by 15-year-old Shauna Fleming to provide letters of support to the U.S. military serving worldwide. This year the organization is collecting holiday letters for troops for the winter holidays. These letters of thanks and support must be received by December 1st and will be directly sent to active, reserve, and veteran military.
In honor of Veterans Day, let’s recognize the troops currently employed worldwide. Since February 2022, the U. S Department of Defense has deployed or extended over 20,000 additional forces to Europe in response to the current hostile Russian invasion of Ukraine. The last time the U.S. had 100,000 troops deployed in Europe was 2005, during the early years of the Global War on Terror, according to a history of U.S. force posture provided by U.S. European Command.
During the unprecedented military crisis, let’s take the time to lend personal support to our troops! Between recognizing the impact of our current military engagements and the latest midterm elections many of us may need the sweet laughter of a Hi Baby Girl to find some joy, or the soothing sounds of Orchestral Music by Mattia Cupelli to relax, and if all else fails why not check out animal laughter to insert some joy into your day!
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