It certainly is to me. My father was in the Air Force, I was engaged to a pilot killed i a training accident, my husband was in both the Navy and the Marines. There are so many heroes in very branch who have given their lives to protect this country. My respect and admiration for them knows no bounds. I’m pretty sure that’s why these days all my heroes are current of former military.

Celebrated annually on November 11, Veterans Day gives Americans an opportunity to show their appreciation for some real-life superheroes — the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, who risked their lives to protect the nation’s freedom. This includes all those who have served in the US Army, Navy, Marine Corps, National Guard, Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

Veteran’s Day is a day to remember all who have served in the military, while Memorial Day remembers those who have died in the service of their country.  It coincides with Armistice Day and Remembrance Day.  President Woodrow Wilson on November 11, 1919, celebrated tthe first Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I.  It was at the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” that hostilities ceased.   There were many movements across the country to commemorate a “Veterans’ Day”, and in 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill making it a federal holiday.  The name was also changed in 1954 to “Veterans” Day”.  Although the actual date has changed several times due to the Monday holiday bill in 1971, it was returned to November 11th in 1978.

There are so many movies honoring our military: Lone Survivor my personal favorite), Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Zero Dark Thirty, Courage Under Fire, Black Hawk Down, Run  Silent Run Deep…..the list is endless and I know I have forgotten so many. It takes a special dedication to be in the military so today, please, pause for a mment and give orayers of thanks, for those who serve and those who have served. Let’s make sure none of them are forgotten.+