A to Z Challenge - V is for Veteran

VETERANS DAY

https://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits

Under federal law, a veteran is a former member of the Armed Forces of the United States (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) who served honorably on active duty and was discharged under conditions which were not dishonorable.

Veterans Day was originally “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I.  Veterans Day honors all American veterans - living or dead - but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. 

Veterans Day occurs on November 11 every year in the United States.  
 

MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, and began in memory of those who died during the Civil War. 

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”

Today it is a day set aside to honor and remember those who have died in active US military service.  It is traditionally observed on May 30, but now officially observed on the last Monday in May.


What's next for W?
W is for Warrant Officer.  What is a Warrant Officer?  How is it different from a regular officer?  In which branches of the military would you find one?  Come back tomorrow and find out!