Veterans Day 2022 marks the 104 th anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. At the 11 th hour on the 11 th day of the 11 th month in 1918, hostilities with Germany formally ended. What we now call Veterans Day was called Armistice Day until 1954.
President Woodrow Wilson declared in his first Armistice Day message on November 11, 1919: “To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.”
Since that day in 1918, millions of American men and women in uniform have served, and many thousands have fought and died in battles around the world, to defend this nation and preserve her way of life. For that, and for the freedoms we enjoy as a result of their service to our nation, all Americans should be profoundly grateful.
According to the Veterans Administration, there are currently more than 18.2 million veterans in this country who are age 65 and older. These veterans served in conflicts small and large, local and global, including World War II (fewer than 168,000 still living), the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and in the conflicts in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, among others. While all vets deserve our appreciation and support, the welfare of these aging veterans is of particular concern to us at AgingOptions, because we believe that everyone – and especially those who wore the uniform of the United States – deserves to age with dignity, security and purpose. We want to do what we can to help ensure that our aging veterans receive the support and benefits to which they are entitled.
So, as we observe Veterans Day 2022, we join in acknowledging the men and women who wear our country’s uniform today, and in honoring the long ranks of those who have gone before. Thank you for your service. We proudly salute you!
With gratitude from all of us at AgingOptions