Veterans Day
L’11 novembre si festeggia il Veterans’ Day, celebrazione dei reduci e dei caduti di tutte le guerre: è sia festa federale, sia festa di tutti gli Stati. La festa fu istituita per ringraziare i militari e riconoscergli il contributo che hanno dato per la sicurezza degli Stati uniti. Inizialmente quando la festa fu istituita nel 1919 dal Presidente Woodrow Wilson, portava il nome di Armistice Day per celebrare l’armistizio della Germania che decretò di fatto la fine della prima guerra mondiale e fu firmato alle 11 dell’11 novembre del 1918. Il nome cambiò il 1 giugno del 1954 per onorare tutti i soldati che hanno servito il loro Paese durante tutte le guerre.
Why Veterans Day is Important...
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It’s a chance to thank people for risking their lives to defend America
An estimated 20% of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression, according to government statistics. You’d be surprised at how much it means to veterans to feel valued by civilians for their services and sacrifices.
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It’s a chance to reflect on the importance of peace
While our military is often thought of in a war context, most veterans will tell you that they risked their lives to defend our fundamental freedoms and that they value peace much more highly than war. Very few who have seen the real horror of war are anxious to rush into it, and Veterans Day encourages all of us to reflect on the value of harmony in our daily interactions and lives.
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It draws attention to the challenges facing many veterans
Veterans face disproportionate rates of homelessness, deficits in educational achievement, a struggle to find employment, and often have to deal with devastating wounds. In many cases, post-traumatic stress disorder makes it hard for them to reintegrate into regular society. By understanding these challenges, we can all reach across those divides and make sure veterans have the best possible chance of having a healthy and fulfilling life after their service.
